This disclosure describes isolated protein complexes including a Wnt and a sFRP; compositions including a Wnt; a cell overexpressing a Wnt and a sFRP; compositions including a cell overexpressing a Wnt and a cell overexpressing a sFRP; methods of making the protein complexes, compositions, and cells; and methods of using the isolated protein complexes, compositions, and cells. This disclosure further describes methods of forming a complex including a Wnt and a sFRP and methods for isolating a Wnt. Also described herein are methods that may be used to purify a Wnt without the use of a detergent.