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Ror receptor tyrosine kinases: orphans no more
Jennifer L Green1, Steven G Kuntz, Paul W Sternberg
1Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Beckman Center, B269, 279 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5323, USA. jlgreen@stanford.edu
Abstract:
Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor (Ror) proteins are a conserved family of tyrosine kinase receptors that function in developmental processes including skeletal and neuronal development, cell movement and cell polarity. Although Ror proteins were originally named because the associated ligand and signaling pathway were unknown, recent studies in multiple species have now established that Ror proteins are Wnt receptors. Depending on the cellular context, Ror proteins can either activate or repress transcription of Wnt target genes and can modulate Wnt signaling by sequestering Wnt ligands. New evidence implicates Ror proteins in planar cell polarity, an alternative Wnt pathway. Here, we review the progress made in understanding these mysterious proteins and, in particular, we focus on their function as Wnt receptors.
Insights
Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor (Ror) proteins are now known to be Wnt receptors. They play crucial roles in development by modulating Wnt signaling and influencing cell polarity.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Signaling
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor (Ror) proteins are conserved tyrosine kinase receptors.
- Their precise function and associated signaling pathways were initially unknown.
- Recent research has identified Ror proteins as key Wnt receptors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the progress in understanding Ror proteins.
- To focus on the established role of Ror proteins as Wnt receptors.
- To highlight their involvement in developmental processes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on Ror proteins.
- Analysis of research implicating Ror proteins in Wnt signaling pathways.
- Examination of evidence for Ror protein function in development.
Main Results:
- Ror proteins are confirmed Wnt receptors across multiple species.
- They can activate or repress Wnt target gene transcription based on cellular context.
- Ror proteins modulate Wnt signaling by sequestering Wnt ligands.
Conclusions:
- Ror proteins are integral components of Wnt signaling.
- They are involved in critical developmental processes like skeletal and neuronal development.
- Emerging evidence links Ror proteins to planar cell polarity pathways.
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