WNT signaling in stem cell differentiation and tumor formation
Hong Ouyang, … , Yehong Zhuo, Kang Zhang
Hong Ouyang, … , Yehong Zhuo, Kang Zhang
Published March 25, 2013
Citation Information: J Clin Invest. 2013;123(4):1422-1424. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI69324.
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Commentary

WNT signaling in stem cell differentiation and tumor formation

Abstract

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) hold great therapeutic promise for the regeneration of functional cell types and clinical applications. However, tumorigenic potential of stem cells in a transplanted host remains a major obstacle. In this issue of the JCI, Cui and colleagues identified TCF7-mediated canonical WNT signaling as a critical determinant of both the tumorigenicity and therapeutic function of ESC-derived retinal progenitor cells (ESC-RPCs). Their findings suggested that addressing key extracellular signaling and related intrinsic factors will be essential for the successful use of ESC-derived progenitor transplantation.

Authors

Hong Ouyang, Yehong Zhuo, Kang Zhang

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Figure 1

Canonical WNT signaling determines the proliferation and differentiation state of ESC-derived progenitors via full-length TCF7 (fTCF7).

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Canonical WNT signaling determines the proliferation and differentiation...
SOX2 and NESTIN act as direct targets of fTCF7 in vitro. Blocking the pathway by deleting TCF7 or treating cells with the WNT inhibitor DKK1 could reduce tumorigenicity and improve therapeutic efficiency. ΔNTCF7, naturally truncated form of TCF7.