WNT5B in Physiology and Disease

WNT5B, a member of the WNT family of proteins that is closely related to WNT5A, is required for cell migration, cell proliferation, or cell differentiation in many cell types. WNT5B signals through the non-canonical beta-catenin-independent signaling pathway and often functions as an antagonist of canonical WNT signaling. Although WNT5B has a high amino acid identity with WNT5A and is often assumed to have similar activities, WNT5B often exhibits unique expression patterns and functions. Here, we describe the distinct effects and mechanisms of WNT5B on development, bone, adipose tissue, cardiac tissue, the nervous system, the mammary gland, the lung and hematopoietic cells, compared to WNT5A. We also highlight aberrances in non-canonical WNT5B signaling contributing to diseases such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, neuropathology, and chronic diseases associated with aging, as well as various cancers.

Automated summary

WNT5B, closely related to WNT5A, plays crucial roles in cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation through the non-canonical pathway. It exhibits unique expression patterns and functions, influencing development, bone, adipose tissue, cardiac tissue, the nervous system, and more. Aberrations in WNT5B signaling contribute to diseases like osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, obesity, diabetes, neuropathology, chronic diseases, and cancers.