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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
Trends in Cell Biology
|October 14, 2008
Summary
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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