Receptor for Wnt proteins. Component of the Wnt-Fzd-LRP5-LRP6 complex that triggers beta-catenin signaling through inducing aggregation of receptor-ligand complexes into ribosome-sized signalosomes. The beta-catenin canonical signaling pathway leads to the activation of disheveled proteins, inhibition of GSK-3 kinase, nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin and activation of Wnt target genes. A second signaling pathway involving PKC and calcium fluxes has been seen for some family members, but it is not yet clear if it represents a distinct pathway or if it can be integrated in the canonical pathway, as PKC seems to be required for Wnt-mediated inactivation of GSK-3 kinase. Both pathways seem to involve interactions with G-proteins. May be involved in transduction and intercellular transmission of polarity information during tissue morphogenesis and/or in differentiated tissues. Coreceptor along with RYK of Wnt proteins, such as WNT1.
Subcellular locations: Membrane, Golgi apparatus, Cell membrane
Colocalizes with GOPC at the Golgi apparatus.
Most abundant in fetal kidney, followed by brain and lung. In adult tissues, expressed in kidney, heart, pancreas and skeletal muscle.