Plays an essential role in the maturation of presomitic mesoderm cells by individual attenuation of both fgf and wnt signaling. Regulates head and somite developmen. Inhibits both wnt and fgf signaling through the regulation of protein maturation and cell surface transportation of their receptors within the endoplasmic reticulum. Interacts with fzd8 and fgfr1. 'Shisa' was named after a sculpture form, common to southern Japan, with a large head similar to the Egyptian sphinx. Belongs to the shisa family.