Wnts and the female reproductive system

Wnts are intercellular growth and differentiation factors that regulate sev eral key developmental steps, such as gastrulation, neurulation, and organo genesis, including the development of the midbrain, central nervous system, kidney, and limbs. Wnts are also needed for a normal development of the re productive system. Deficiency of Wnt-4, -5a, and -7a, for example, results in sex reversal, infertility, and/or malformation of the internal and exter nal genitals. Here we focus on the importance of Wnts in the female reprodu ctive system. J. Exp. Zool. 290:616-623, 2001. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.