Soluble frizzled-related proteins (sFRPS) function as modulators of Wnt signaling through direct interaction with Wnts. They have a role in regulating cell growth and differentiation in specific cell types (By similarity). SFRP4 plays a role in bone morphogenesis. May also act as a regulator of adult uterine morphology and function. May also increase apoptosis during ovulation possibly through modulation of FZ1/FZ4/WNT4 signaling (By similarity). Has phosphaturic effects by specifically inhibiting sodium-dependent phosphate uptake .
Subcellular locations: Secreted
Cytoplasmic in ovarian tumor cells.
Expressed in mesenchymal cells. Highly expressed in the stroma of proliferative endometrium. Expressed in cardiomyocytes. Shows moderate to strong expression in ovarian tumors with expression increasing as the tumor stage increases. In ovarian tumors, expression levels are inversely correlated with expression of CTNNB1 (at protein level).