FZD2 gene
The FZD2 gene plays a critical role in prenatal development, particularly in the formation of the skeleton and other body structures.
Normal Function
The FZD2 gene provides instructions for making a protein that plays a critical role in development before birth. The FZD2 protein interacts with other proteins (including those produced from the DVL1, DVL2, and DVL3 genes) in chemical signaling pathways called Wnt signaling.
These pathways control the activity of genes needed at specific times during development and regulate the interactions between cells when organs and tissues are forming. As a key part of Wnt signaling, the FZD2 protein is thought to be important for the normal development of the skeleton and potentially other parts of the body.
Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes
Robinow syndrome
At least four mutations in the FZD2 gene have been found to cause autosomal dominant Robinow syndrome, a condition that affects the development of many parts of the body, particularly the skeleton. Features of this condition include:
- Short stature
- A particular pattern of facial characteristics
- Shortening of the long bones in the arms and legs
- Short fingers and toes (brachydactyly)
These mutations are thought to alter or remove a region of the protein that is needed for its interaction with DVL proteins, which impairs Wnt signaling. Problems with Wnt signaling pathways disrupt the development of many organs and tissues before birth, leading to Robinow syndrome.
Other Names for This Gene
- frizzled 2, seven transmembrane spanning receptor
- frizzled family receptor 2
- frizzled homolog 2
- frizzled-2 precursor
- fz-2
- Fz2
- fzE2
- hFz2
