Wnt/β-catenin Signaling in Normal and Cancer Stem Cells

Cancers

Kenneth C. Valkenburg¹  Carrie R. Graveel¹  Cassandra R. Zylstra-Diegel¹  Zhendong Zhong¹ 

[1] id="af1-cancers-03-02050">Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave. N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, U

关键词: Wnt;    β-catenin;    stem cells;    cancer stem cells;    colon;    mammary;    prostate;    therapeutics;   

DOI  :  10.3390/cancers3022050

来源: mdpi

【 摘 要 】

The ability of Wnt ligands to initiate a signaling cascade that results in cytoplasmic stabilization of, and nuclear localization of, β-catenin underlies their ability to regulate progenitor cell differentiation. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying Wnt/β-catenin signaling and how the pathway regulates normal differentiation of stem cells in the intestine, mammary gland, and prostate. We will also discuss how dysregulation of the pathway is associated with putative cancer stem cells and the potential therapeutic implications of regulating Wnt signaling.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© 2011 by the authors; licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.