Abstract
R-spondins (RSPOs) are a family of cysteine-rich secreted proteins containing a single thrombospondin type I repeat (TSR) domain. A vast amount of information regarding cellular signaling and biological functions of RSPOs has emerged over the last several years, especially with respect to their roles in the activation of the WNT signaling pathway. The identification of several classes of RSPO receptors may indicate that this family of proteins can affect several signaling cascades. Herein, we summarize the current understanding of RSPO signaling and its biological functions, and discuss its potential therapeutic implications to human diseases.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Review
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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CD36 Antigens / genetics
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CD36 Antigens / metabolism*
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Cell Proliferation
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Crohn Disease / drug therapy
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Crohn Disease / metabolism
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Crohn Disease / pathology
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Gene Expression Regulation*
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Humans
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Insulin-Secreting Cells / cytology
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Insulin-Secreting Cells / physiology
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Intestines / physiology
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Mice
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Muscle Development / physiology
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Osteogenesis / physiology
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Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs
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Protein Isoforms / administration & dosage
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Protein Isoforms / chemistry
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Protein Isoforms / genetics
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Protein Isoforms / metabolism*
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Stem Cells / cytology
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Stem Cells / physiology
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Thrombospondins / administration & dosage
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Thrombospondins / chemistry
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Thrombospondins / genetics
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Thrombospondins / metabolism*
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Wnt Proteins / genetics
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Wnt Proteins / metabolism*
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Wnt Signaling Pathway*
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beta Catenin / genetics
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beta Catenin / metabolism*
Substances
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CD36 Antigens
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Protein Isoforms
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Thrombospondins
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Wnt Proteins
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beta Catenin