Wnt Signaling in Normal and Malignant Stem Cells

Abstract

Wnt signaling plays important roles in stem cell self-renewal and differentiation in adults as well as in embryonic development. Mutations that activate canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling also initiate and maintain several cancer states, including colorectal cancer and leukemia, and hence Wnt inhibitors are currently being explored as therapeutic options. In this review, we summarize previous studies and update recent findings on canonical Wnt signaling and its components, as well as their roles in somatic stem cell homeostasis and maintenance of cancer-initiating cells.