WNT5A: a double-edged sword in colorectal cancer progression

Mutat Res Rev Mutat Res. 2023 Jul-Dec:792:108465. doi: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2023.108465. Epub 2023 Jul 24.

Abstract

The Wnt signaling pathway is known to play a crucial role in cancer, and WNT5A is a member of this pathway that binds to the Frizzled (FZD) and Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-Like Orphan Receptor (ROR) family members to activate non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways. The WNT5A pathway is involved in various cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, adhesion, and polarization. In the case of colorectal cancer (CRC), abnormal activation or inhibition of WNT5A signaling can lead to both oncogenic and antitumor effects. Moreover, WNT5A is associated with inflammation, metastasis, and altered metabolism in cancer cells. This article aims to discuss the molecular mechanisms and dual roles of WNT5A in CRC.

Keywords: Colorectal cancer; Oncogene; Tumor suppressor gene; WNT5A; Wnt pathway.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism
  • Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-like Orphan Receptors / metabolism
  • Wnt Proteins* / genetics
  • Wnt Proteins* / metabolism
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway / genetics
  • Wnt-5a Protein / genetics
  • Wnt-5a Protein / metabolism

Substances

  • Wnt Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-like Orphan Receptors
  • WNT5A protein, human
  • Wnt-5a Protein