Effect of wnt-1 and related proteins on gap junctional communication in Xenopus embryos

The proto-oncogene wnt-1 is thought to be important in embryonic pattern formation although its mechanisms of action are unknown. Premature and increased expression of the Wnt-1 protein, achieved by injection of synthetic wnt-1 RNA into fertilized Xenopus eggs, enhanced gap junctional communication between ventral cells of the developing embryo. The effects of two Wnt-1-related proteins on gap junctional communication were also investigated