WNT signalling pathways as therapeutic targets in cancer

JN Anastas, RT Moon - Nature Reviews Cancer, 2013 - nature.com
Nature Reviews Cancer, 2013nature.com
Since the initial discovery of the oncogenic activity of WNT1 in mouse mammary glands, our
appreciation for the complex roles for WNT signalling pathways in cancer has increased
dramatically. WNTs and their downstream effectors regulate various processes that are
important for cancer progression, including tumour initiation, tumour growth, cell
senescence, cell death, differentiation and metastasis. Although WNT signalling pathways
have been difficult to target, improved drug-discovery platforms and new technologies have …
Abstract
Since the initial discovery of the oncogenic activity of WNT1 in mouse mammary glands, our appreciation for the complex roles for WNT signalling pathways in cancer has increased dramatically. WNTs and their downstream effectors regulate various processes that are important for cancer progression, including tumour initiation, tumour growth, cell senescence, cell death, differentiation and metastasis. Although WNT signalling pathways have been difficult to target, improved drug-discovery platforms and new technologies have facilitated the discovery of agents that can alter WNT signalling in preclinical models, thus setting the stage for clinical trials in humans.
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