RSPO1 gene is a member of the R-spondin family. It encodes RSPO1 which is known as a secreted activator protein with two cystein-rich, furin-like domains and one thrombospondin type 1 domain. In mice, RSPO1 induces the rapid onset of crypt cell proliferation and increases intestinal epithelial healing, providing a protective effect against chemotherapy-induced adverse effects. This protein is an activator of the beta-catenin signaling cascade, leading to TCF-dependent gene activation. RSPO1 acts both in the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin-dependent pathway and in non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway, probably by acting as an inhibitor of ZNRF3, an important regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway. It also acts as a ligand for frizzled FZD8 and LRP6.