The role of canonical WNT signaling pathway in oral carcinogenesis: a comprehensive review

Anticancer Res. 2012 Mar;32(3):873-8.

Abstract

Oral cancer is a common neoplasm worldwide. The incidence and mortality have also increased in recent decades. It is characterized by poor prognosis and a low survival rate despite sophisticated surgical and radiotherapeutic modalities. The WNTs comprise a large family of highly conserved growth factors associated with a number of functions. In this review, we focus largely on the canonical pathway, revealing the recent findings, in oral cancer research, thereby raising our understanding of the mechanisms of this crucial signaling in several cellular activities.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Apoptosis
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic*
  • Humans
  • Mouth Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Mouth Neoplasms / pathology
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Wnt Proteins