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Reviewed February 2009
What is the official name of the FZD4 gene?
The official name of this gene is “frizzled class receptor 4.”
FZD4 is the gene's official symbol. The FZD4 gene is also known by other names, listed below.
Read more about gene names and symbols on the About page.
What is the normal function of the FZD4 gene?
The FZD4 gene provides instructions for making a protein called frizzled-4. This protein is embedded in the outer membrane of many types of cells, where it is involved in transmitting chemical signals from outside the cell to the cell's nucleus. Specifically, frizzled-4 participates in the Wnt signaling pathway, a series of steps that affect the way cells and tissues develop. Wnt signaling is important for cell division (proliferation), attachment of cells to one another (adhesion), cell movement (migration), and many other cellular activities.
Studies suggest that, at the cell surface, the frizzled-4 protein interacts with a protein called norrin (produced from the NDP gene). The two proteins fit together like a key in a lock. Researchers suspect that when norrin attaches (binds) to frizzled-4, it initiates a multi-step process that regulates the activity of certain genes. During early development, signaling by norrin and frizzled-4 plays a critical role in the specialization of cells in the retina, which is the light-sensing tissue at the back of the eye. This signaling pathway is also involved in the establishment of a blood supply to the retina and the inner ear.
Does the FZD4 gene share characteristics with other genes?
A gene family is a group of genes that share important characteristics. Classifying individual genes into families helps researchers describe how genes are related to each other. For more information, see What are gene families? in the Handbook.
How are changes in the FZD4 gene related to health conditions?
Where is the FZD4 gene located?
Cytogenetic Location: 11q14.2
Molecular Location on chromosome 11: base pairs 86,945,674 to 86,955,397
The FZD4 gene is located on the long (q) arm of chromosome 11 at position 14.2.
More precisely, the FZD4 gene is located from base pair 86,945,674 to base pair 86,955,397 on chromosome 11.
See How do geneticists indicate the location of a gene? in the Handbook.
Where can I find additional information about FZD4?
You and your healthcare professional may find the following resources about FZD4 helpful.
You may also be interested in these resources, which are designed for genetics professionals and researchers.
What other names do people use for the FZD4 gene or gene products?
See How are genetic conditions and genes named? in the Handbook.
Where can I find general information about genes?
The Handbook provides basic information about genetics in clear language.
These links provide additional genetics resources that may be useful.
What glossary definitions help with understanding FZD4?
You may find definitions for these and many other terms in the Genetics Home Reference Glossary.
See also Understanding Medical Terminology.
References (9 links)
The resources on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Users seeking information about a personal genetic disease, syndrome, or condition should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. See How can I find a genetics professional in my area? in the Handbook.