WNT10A, dermatology and dentistry.

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Developmental Biology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Wingless-related integration sites (WNTs) are crucial secreted glycoproteins in development and regeneration.
• WNT10A, a specific WNT ligand, plays a key role in skin, appendages, and tooth development.
• WNT10A gene variants are associated with a spectrum of ectodermal disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the association between WNT10A gene variants and ectodermal disorders.
• To explore the clinical relevance of WNT10A mutations for dermatologists and dentists.
• To document WNT10A mutations and their genotype-phenotype correlations.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of WNT10A gene variants and associated phenotypes.
• Analysis of genotype-phenotype correlations in syndromic and nonsyndromic disorders.
• Compilation of reported WNT10A mutations.

Main Results:

• Germline mutations in WNT10A cause autosomal recessive ectodermal dysplasias.
• Heterozygous carriers may exhibit milder ectodermal anomalies.
• Population variants in WNT10A are linked to diverse skin, hair, sweat gland, and dental alterations.
• WNT10A variants are implicated in conditions like alopecia, acne, lipodystrophy, keloids, wound healing, tooth agenesis, and oral clefting.
• Abnormalities in WNT10A are also found in kidney fibrosis, keratoconus, certain cancers, and neuropathic pain.

Conclusions:

• WNT10A is a significant contributor to both normal development and pathological conditions affecting ectodermal derivatives.
• Understanding WNT10A variants is crucial for diagnosing and managing a range of genetic disorders.
• Further research into WNT10A's role can advance treatments in dermatology, dentistry, and other fields.