Abstract
Frizzled4 (FZD4) is a receptor for Norrin and WNT7A/B ligands, is expressed in endothelial cells (ECs), is required for endothelial blood-central nervous system (CNS) barrier function as well as CNS angiogenesis, and transduces β-catenin-dependent signaling. Despite its fundamental importance in neurovascular biology, including as a drug target, the molecular mechanisms governing FZD4 regulation remain poorly understood. Here, we employed proximity biotinylation to identify proteins that regulate FZD4. We identified ATPase plasma membrane Ca2+ transporting 1 (ATP2B1, also known as PMCA1) as a FZD4 proximity interactor. Functional analyses revealed that ATP2B1 depletion increased EC Ca2+, activated NFAT, and significantly attenuated Norrin/Frizzled4 signaling. Endothelial-specific Atp2b1 deletion caused CNS vascular phenotypes consistent with compromised Norrin/Frizzled4 signaling. This study identifies ATP2B1 as a regulator of Norrin- and WNT7A/B-induced FZD4 signaling and suggests that in pathological contexts with elevated EC Ca2+-levels, EC function may be modulated by suppression of β-catenin-dependent signaling.