SFRP1 Protein, Human, Recombinant (His)

Secreted frizzled-related protein 1, also known as sFRP1, is a 35 kDa prototypical member of the SFRP family. SFRP family consists of five secreted glycoproteins in humans acting as extracellular signaling ligands. Each is approximately 3 amino acids in length and contains a cysteine-rich domain (CRD) that shares 3-5% sequence homology with the CRD of Frizzled (Fz) receptors, a putative signal sequence, and a conserved hydrophilic carboxy-terminal domain. SFRPs act as soluble modulators of Wnt signaling, counteracting Wnt-induced effects at high concentrations and promoting them at lower concentrations. SFRPs are able to bind Wnt proteins and Fz receptors in the extracellular compartment. The interaction between SFRPs and Wnt proteins prevents the latter from binding the Fz receptors. The Wnt pathway plays a key role in embryonic development, cell differentiation and cell proliferation. The deregulation of this critical developmental pathway occurs in several human tumor entities. Mouse sFRP1 is highly expressed in kidney and embryonic heart, as well as in the eye, where it is principally localized to the ciliary body and the lens epithelium.