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WNT10A gene
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Gene

WNT10A gene

The WNT10A gene is essential for the development of ectodermal tissues, including skin, hair, nails, teeth, and sweat glands.

Normal Function

The WNT10A gene provides instructions for making a protein that participates in chemical signaling pathways. These pathways are vital for regulating cell interactions during embryonic development. The WNT10A protein is particularly essential for the formation of tissues arising from the ectoderm, including the skin, hair, nails, teeth, and sweat glands. It is also considered important for the formation and shaping of both primary and permanent teeth.

Health Conditions Related to Genetic Changes

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia

Mutations in the WNT10A gene account for approximately 5 percent of cases of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. This condition is characterized by:

  • Reduced ability to sweat (hypohidrosis)
  • Sparse scalp and body hair (hypotrichosis)
  • Missing teeth (hypodontia) or malformed teeth

Mutations in this gene impair the function of the WNT10A protein, disrupting Wnt signaling during the development of ectodermal tissues. Features of this condition are more variable when caused by WNT10A mutations compared to other genes, and these mutations are more likely to cause the absence of all permanent teeth.

Other disorders

  • Odonto-onycho-dermal dysplasia (OODD): Characterized by dry hair, missing teeth, nail abnormalities, thickened skin on palms and soles, and increased sweating of the palms and soles.
  • Schopf-Schulz-Passarge syndrome (SSPS): Features include missing teeth, hypotrichosis, palmoplantar keratoderma, and eyelid cysts.
  • Nonsyndromic tooth agenesis: A condition where one or more teeth fail to form, occurring without the other signs of ectodermal dysplasia.

Other Names for This Gene

  • OODD
  • protein Wnt-10a precursor
  • STHAG4
  • wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 10A

Frequently Asked Questions

While many genes can cause hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, mutations in the WNT10A gene are specifically associated with a higher likelihood of complete tooth agenesis. This means that individuals with this specific genetic variant are more prone to being born without any permanent teeth, whereas other genetic causes of the condition might result in fewer missing teeth or malformed teeth rather than a total absence.
Odonto-onycho-dermal dysplasia (OODD) is a distinct condition linked to WNT10A mutations that presents with a unique combination of symptoms. Patients typically experience dry, brittle hair and missing teeth, but also develop thickened, rough skin on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet (palmoplantar keratoderma). Additionally, these individuals often have abnormal nail growth and may experience increased sweating specifically in the palms and soles, which contrasts with the reduced sweating seen in other forms of ectodermal dysplasia.
Yes, it is possible for a WNT10A mutation to manifest as nonsyndromic tooth agenesis. In these cases, one or more teeth fail to form, but the individual does not exhibit the other classic signs of ectodermal dysplasia, such as sparse hair, nail abnormalities, or significant issues with sweat gland function. This isolated dental presentation can sometimes make diagnosis more challenging without genetic testing.
The WNT10A protein acts as a signaling molecule that guides the development of ectodermal tissues during embryonic stages. It is critical for the proper formation and shaping of sweat glands. When mutations impair the function of this protein, the signaling pathways are disrupted, leading to the underdevelopment or absence of sweat glands. This results in hypohidrosis, or a reduced ability to sweat, which is a hallmark feature of the associated conditions.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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