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

Abstract

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.

Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno: A novel, evidence-based, unifying theory for the pathogenesis of endometriosis

“…The signaling pathway of canonical Wnt, the Wnt/β-catenin, is implicated in the control of various types of stem cells and can act as a factor to maintain the niche hESP in a state of self-renewal [64][65][66][67]. Targeted research on the coelomic cavity and the müllerian duct epithelium suggest that coelomatic and associated tissues, epithelia adults and müllerian derivatives have a common embryological origin, and that pluripotent cells can cause endometrial metaplasia or endometriosis in post pubertal stage [73].…”

“…It was shown that an estrogenic compound may interfere with Wnt expression and/or β-catenin target genes with a consequent alteration of the development of the female reproductive tract [62,63]. The signaling pathway of canonical Wnt genes and Wnt/β-catenin, are associated in the control of different types of stem cells and can act as a factor niche to keep the embryonic stem cells (EmSC) in a state of self-renewal [64][65][66].…”

Phytochemical Investigations of Three Rhodocodon (Hyacinthaceae Sensu APG II) Species

“…However, it must be borne in mind that aspirin is not a selective COX-2 inhibitor 16 and so for future studies a comparison of these and other homoisoflavanoids against a more appropriate inhibitor such as the NSAID celecoxib, which is considered by some to be clinically relevant in the treatment of colorectal cancer, is required. 16,42 The effect of these compounds on CRC cells in vitro should not be limited to COX-2, as the development and progression of colorectal cancer occurs via several molecular mechanisms, [43][44][45][46] and so future studies will be needed to further investigate and characterize the effect of these compounds on the growth of HCA-7, and other types of colorectal cancer cells to gain greater insight into their therapeutic potential.…”

Stem Cells and Cancer

“…Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway in multicellular organisms that regulates cell-fate determination during development and maintains adult tissue homeostasis [55]. The Notch pathway mediates juxtacrine cellular signaling.…”