Wnt3a stimulation elicits G-protein-coupled receptor properties of mammalian Frizzled proteins

Receptors of the Fz (Frizzled) family initiate Wnt ligand-dependent signalling controlling multiple steps in organism development and carcinogenesis. Fz proteins possess seven transmembrane domains, and their signalling depends on heterotrimeric G-proteins in various organisms; however, Fz proteins constitute a distinct group within the GPCR (G-protein-coupled receptor) superfamily, and Fz signalling can be G-protein-independent in some experimental setups, leading to concerns about the GPCR nature of these proteins. In the present study, we demonstrate that mammalian Fz proteins act as GPCRs on heterotrimeric G_o/i proteins. Addition of the Wnt3a ligand to rat brain membranes or cultured cells elicits Fz-dependent guanine-nucleotide exchange on G_o/i proteins. These responses were sensitive to a Wnt antagonist and to pertussis toxin, which decouples the G_o/i proteins from their receptors through covalent modification. The results of the present study provide the long-awaited biochemical proof of the GPCR nature of Fz receptors.