The WNT-β-catenin signaling pathway has a major role in regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. Aberrant activation of the pathway contributes to various human cancer types. Because casein kinase CK1α-initiated phosphorylation of β-catenin is a key first step to restrain WNT signaling, effective restoration of CK1α activity represents an innovative strategy to combat WNT-driven cancer. A recent study in JBC reveals the anthelmintic pyrvinium directly binds to CK1α as an activator and also stabilizes CK1α protein, doubling against WNT-driven cancer activity.
Keywords: CK1α activator; E3-ubiquitin ligase component Cereblon; WNT-driven cancer; WNT/β-catenin signaling; anti-WNT agents; casein kinase 1α; pyrvinium; repurposed drugs.
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