wnt11f2 Zebrafish, an Animal Model for Development and New Insights in Bone Formation

Wnt signaling is a key regulator of osteoblast differentiation and mineralization in humans and animals, mediated by the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin and noncanonical signaling pathways. Both pathways are crucial in regulating osteoblastogenesis and bone formation. The zebrafish silberblick (slb) carries a mutation in wnt11f2, a gene that contributes to embryonic morphogenesis; however, its role in bone morphology is unknown. wnt11f2 was originally known as wnt11; it was recently reclassified to avoid confusion in comparative genetics and disease modeling. The goal of this review is to summarize the characterization of the wnt11f2 zebrafish mutant and to deliver some new insights concerning its role in skeletal development. In addition to the previously described defects in early development in this mutant as well as craniofacial dysmorphia, we show an increase in tissue mineral density in the heterozygous mutant that points to a possible role of wnt11f2 in high bone mass phenotypes.

Automated summary

Wnt signaling plays a crucial role in osteoblast differentiation and mineralization through canonical and noncanonical pathways. The zebrafish silberblick mutant with a wnt11f2 mutation shows defects in embryonic morphogenesis, and this review aims to summarize its characterization and role in skeletal development. In addition to early developmental defects and craniofacial dysmorphia, the heterozygous mutant also exhibits increased tissue mineral density, suggesting a potential role of wnt11f2 in high bone mass phenotypes.