Targeting the WNT Signaling Pathway in Cancer Therapeutics

Oncologist. 2015 Oct;20(10):1189-98. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2015-0057. Epub 2015 Aug 25.

Abstract

The WNT signaling cascade is integral in numerous biological processes including embryonic development, cell cycle regulation, inflammation, and cancer. Hyperactivation of WNT signaling secondary to alterations to varying nodes of the pathway have been identified in multiple tumor types. These alterations converge into increased tumorigenicity, sustained proliferation, and enhanced metastatic potential. This review seeks to evaluate the evidence supporting the WNT pathway in cancer, the therapeutic strategies in modulating this pathway, and potential challenges in drug development.

Keywords: Drug development; Frizzled; Signal transduction; WNT; β-Catenin.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / immunology
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway / drug effects*
  • beta Catenin / genetics
  • beta Catenin / metabolism

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • CTNNB1 protein, human
  • DKK1 protein, human
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • beta Catenin