Wnt/β-catenin signalling: function, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic opportunities

2022/01/03 by Jiaqi Liu, Qing Xiao, Jiani Xiao +6 · 18 citations
Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Cancer-related gene regulation #Epigenetics and DNA Methylation #Wnt/β-catenin signaling in development and cancer

paper · pdf · doi:10.1038/s41392-021-00762-6

openalex publication_date 2022/01/03 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/30

Abstract

The Wnt/β-catenin pathway comprises a family of proteins that play critical roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. The deregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling often leads to various serious diseases, including cancer and non-cancer diseases. Although many articles have reviewed Wnt/β-catenin from various aspects, a systematic review encompassing the origin, composition, function, and clinical trials of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway in tumour and diseases is lacking. In this article, we comprehensively review the Wnt/β-catenin pathway from the above five aspects in combination with the latest research. Finally, we propose challenges and opportunities for the development of small-molecular compounds targeting the Wnt signalling pathway in disease treatment.

Citations

• Mutations in AXIN2 Cause Familial Tooth Agenesis and Predispose to Colorectal Cancer
• β-Catenin Signaling and Roles in Liver Homeostasis, Injury, and Tumorigenesis
• WNT Signaling in Cardiac and Vascular Disease
• WNT signaling and AHCTF1 promote oncogenic MYC expression through super-enhancer-mediated gene gating

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