Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling, Disease, and Emerging Therapeutic Modalities

Cell. 2017 Jun 1;169(6):985-999. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2017.05.016.

Abstract

The WNT signal transduction cascade is a main regulator of development throughout the animal kingdom. Wnts are also key drivers of most types of tissue stem cells in adult mammals. Unsurprisingly, mutated Wnt pathway components are causative to multiple growth-related pathologies and to cancer. Here, we describe the core Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, how it controls stem cells, and contributes to disease. Finally, we discuss strategies for Wnt-based therapies.

Keywords: Wnt; cancer; development; stem cells; therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Congenital Abnormalities / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Organoids / metabolism
  • Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Wnt Proteins / chemistry
  • Wnt Proteins / genetics
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway* / drug effects

Substances

  • Wnt Proteins