Direct Inhibition of GSK3β by the Phosphorylated Cytoplasmic Domain of LRP6 in Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling
2008

How LRP6 Inhibits GSK3β in Wnt Signaling

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Piao Shunfu, Lee Sun-Hye, Kim Hyunjoon, Yum Soohwan, Stamos Jennifer L., Xu Yongbin, Lee Su-Jin, Lee Jaewon, Oh Sangtaek, Han Jin-Kwan, Park Bum-Joon, Weis William I., Ha Nam-Chul

Primary Institution: Pusan National University

Hypothesis

The intracellular region of LRP6 acts as a direct GSK3β inhibitor in Wnt/β-catenin signal propagation.

Conclusion

Phosphorylated LRP6 directly inhibits GSK3β, suggesting a novel mechanism for activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling.

Supporting Evidence

  • Overexpression of LRP6's intracellular region impairs GSK3β activity.
  • Synthetic peptides with the PPPSPxS motif inhibit GSK3β in vitro.
  • Microinjection of phosphorylated peptides into Xenopus embryos enhances Wnt signaling.
  • Phosphorylated LRP6 motifs directly inhibit GSK3β in vitro.
  • Phosphorylation of LRP6 enhances its binding to GSK3β.

Takeaway

This study shows that a part of a protein called LRP6 can stop another protein, GSK3β, from working, which helps a signaling pathway that is important for development.

Methodology

The study involved constructing GFP-fusion proteins, transfecting them into cells, and analyzing their effects on GSK3β and β-catenin.

Limitations

The physiological relevance of the concentrations used in the experiments may not reflect in vivo conditions.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004046

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