Roles of Wnt7a in embryo development, tissue homeostasis, and human diseases

The document from 2019 outlines the significant functions of Wnt7a, a protein in the Wnt family, in embryonic development, tissue maintenance, and its association with various diseases. It is essential for the development of the cerebral cortex, synapse formation, central nervous system vasculature, limb development, and the female reproductive system, with mutations leading to specific limb and reproductive defects. Wnt7a is also important for the homeostasis of skeletal muscle, cartilage, cornea, and hair follicles, and has potential therapeutic applications in treating muscle dystrophy, corneal damage, wound healing, and hair follicle regeneration. The protein's role in cancer is complex, acting as a tumor suppressor in lung cancers but promoting growth in ovarian, breast, and glioma cancers. Wnt7a's involvement in inflammation and fibrosis is noted, with its expression being upregulated in renal fibrosis, and it has both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects. The document emphasizes the need for further research into Wnt7a's roles in inflammation and fibrosis and suggests cautious, cancer-specific approaches when considering Wnt7a as a target for cancer treatment. The research was supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China.