Screening for natural products that affect Wnt signaling activity

J Nat Med. 2019 Sep;73(4):697-705. doi: 10.1007/s11418-019-01320-9. Epub 2019 May 30.

Abstract

Wnt signaling has been implicated in numerous aspects of development, cell biology, and physiology. When aberrantly activated, Wnt signaling can also lead to the formation of tumors. Thus, Wnt signaling is an attractive target for cancer therapy. Based on our screening program targeting Wnt signaling activity using a cell-based luciferase screening system assessing TCF/β-catenin transcriptional activity, we isolated a series of terpenoids and heterocyclic aromatic compounds that affect the Wnt signaling pathway at different points. Here, we describe our recent results in screening for natural products that inhibit or activate Wnt signaling.

Keywords: Natural products; Plants; Screening; Wnt.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Products / pharmacology*
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / pharmacology*
  • TCF Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Terpenes / pharmacology*
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway / drug effects*
  • beta Catenin / genetics

Substances

  • Biological Products
  • CTNNB1 protein, human
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • TCF Transcription Factors
  • Terpenes
  • beta Catenin