Xenopus frizzled-2 is expressed highly in the developing eye, otic vesicleand somites

Wnts are secreted signaling molecules implicated in a large number of devel opmental processes. Frizzled proteins have been identified as likely recept ors for Wnt ligands in vertebrates and invertebrates. To assess the endogen ous role of frizzled proteins during the development of Xenopus laevis, we have identified several frizzled homologs. Here we report the cloning and e xpression of Xenopus frizzled-2 (xfz2). Xfz2 shows high sequence homology t o rat and human frizzleds-2. It is expressed in the developing embryo from late gastrula stages onward. Xfz2 has a wide domain of expression but is co ncentrated in the eye anlage, otic vesicle, and developing somites. (C) 199 9 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.