Secreted Frizzled Related Protein 5 (SFRP5)

SFRP5 is a member of the SFRP family that contains a cysteine-rich domain homologous to the putative Wnt-binding site of Frizzled proteins. SFRPs act as soluble modulators of Wnt signaling. SFRP5 and SFRP1 may be involved in determining the polarity of photoreceptor cells in the retina. SFRP5 is highly expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium, and moderately expressed in the pancreas. Soluble frizzled-related proteins (sFRPS) function as modulators of Wnt signaling through direct interaction with Wnts. They have a role in regulating cell growth and differentiation in specific cell types. SFRP5 may be involved in determining the polarity of photoreceptor, and perhaps, other cells in the retina.Highly expressed in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and pancreas. Weak expression in heart, liver and muscle.