Role of Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Cancer Signaling

Abstract

Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a highly conserved pathway essential for cell development, proliferation, migration, polarity, and stem cell homeostasis. This pathway has also been implicated in tumor initiation and progression. Recent efforts have been made to develop therapies targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling; however, the complexity of Wnt signaling has complicated their development. While targeting Wnt has potential beneficial effects, understanding when to activate or inhibit Wnt to impede cancer development and progression still needs to be elucidated. Conventionally, Wnt signaling activation has been associated with poor patient outcome; however, it was recently shown to enhance patient outcome in certain cancer subtypes. Wnt target therapy is still in early stages, and numerous clinical trials are investigating Wnt signaling modulators as potential treatments for cancer. There is still much to learn about Wnt signaling and its interactions with other pathways. The next essential step is to identify potential biomarkers to guide how to perturb Wnt signaling for the most effective clinical results.