Tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member EDAR is a Single-pass type I membrane protein. Edar was expressed reiteratively in signaling centers regulating key steps in morphogenesis. activin signaling from mesenchyme induces the expression of the TNF receptor edar in the epithelial signaling centers, thus making them responsive to Wnt-induced ectodysplasin from the nearby ectoderm. This is the first demonstration of integration of the Wnt, activin, and TNF signaling pathways. Defects in EDAR are a cause of ectodermal dysplasia anhidrotic (EDA), also known ectodermal dysplasia hypohidrotic autosomal recessive (HED). Ectodermal dysplasia defines a heterogeneous group of disorders due to abnormal development of two or more ectodermal structures. EDA is characterized by sparse hair (atrichosis or hypotrichosis), abnormal or missing teeth and the inability to sweat due to the absence of sweat glands.
