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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.03.17.712518

Wnts are endothelial cell-derived PKD1/PKD2-dependent autocrine/paracrine vasodilators

Mbiakop, U. C.·Mackay, C.·Mata-Daboin, A.·Pontes, R. B.·Leo, M. D.·Jaggar, J. H.
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Abstract

BackgroundWingless/Int-1 (Wnts) proteins are canonical Frizzled receptor ligands. Recent evidence indicates that some Wnts, including Wnt9b and Wnt5a, bind to polycystin 1 (PKD1), a transmembrane protein which can couple to polycystin 2 (PKD2) to form a non-selective cation channel. The functional significance of Wnts binding to PKD1 is unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Wnts act through PKD1/PKD2 channels on endothelial cells (ECs) to regulate arterial contractility and blood pressure and investigated the cellular source and secretory regulation of vasoactive Wnt proteins. MethodsA wide variety of approaches, including inducible EC-specific PKD1 and PKD2 knockout mice, reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, pressurized artery myography, blood pressure measurements, patch-clamp electrophysiology, in vivo and in vitro Wnt and nitric oxide assays, and Wnt secretion assays. ResultsIntravascular Wnt9b or Wnt5a administration stimulates an EC PKD1/PKD2-dependent dilation in pressurized resistance-size arteries. Wnt9b and Wnt5a are present in serum and plasma and intravenous infusion rapidly stimulates a blood pressure reduction which requires EC PKD1. Wnts stimulate a PKD1-dependent non-selective cation current in ECs which through Ca2+ signaling activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and small conductance Ca2+-activated K+ channels to induce vasodilation. Wnt9b acts solely via PKD1/PKD2 channels, whereas Wnt5a stimulates signaling through PKD1/PKD2, Frizzled-7 (Fzd-7), Dishevelled and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Intravascular flow stimulates angiotensin II type 1 (AT1) receptors, which through Gq/11 and Porcupine activate Wnt9b and Wnt5a secretion in ECs. Wnts secreted in response to flow activate PKD1/PKD2 signaling in ECs and contribute to flow-mediated vasodilation. ConclusionsIntravascular flow activates AT1 receptors, which through Gq/11 and Porcupine stimulate Wnt9b and Wnt5a secretion in ECs. Wnt9b activates PKD1/PKD2 channels whereas Wnt5a stimulates both PKD1/PKD2 and Fzd-7 in ECs to induce vasodilation. Wnts contribute to flow-mediated autocrine/paracrine dilation and reduce blood pressure. Graphical abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=92 SRC="FIGDIR/small/712518v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (27K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1fa876aorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@d05bd5org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@13d276corg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1e75b7b_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

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Mbiakop, U. C., Mackay, C., Mata-Daboin, A., Pontes, R. B., Leo, M. D., Jaggar, J. H.. 2026-03-20. Wnts are endothelial cell-derived PKD1/PKD2-dependent autocrine/paracrine vasodilators. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.03.17.712518

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