Description
R-spondin 3 (RSPO3) is a member of the R-Spondin (RSPO) family in vertebrates that activate Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, plays a key role in these processes. The RSPO family of secreted Wnt modulators is involved in development and disease and holds therapeutic promise as stem cell growth factors. The four members have high structural homology. RSPO2 and RSPO3 are more potent than RSPO1, whereas RSPO4 is relatively inactive. All RSPO members require Wnt ligands and LRP6 for activity and amplify signaling of Wnt3A, Wnt1, and Wnt7A, suggesting that RSPO proteins are general regulators of canonical Wnt signaling. RSPO3/PCP signaling during gastrulation requires Wnt5a and is transduced via Fz7, Dvl, and JNK. RSPO3 functions by inducing Sdc4-dependent, clathrin-mediated endocytosis. RSPO3 is a novel, evolutionarily conserved angiogenic factor in embryogenesis. RSPO3 has a key role in the interaction between chorion and allantois in labyrinthine development.