Modulation of WNT/β-catenin pathway in melanoma by biologically active components derived from plants

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive cancer with frequent treatment resistance.
• Targeting the RAS/BRAF/MEK/ERK pathway highlighted the need for understanding resistance mechanisms.
• Aberrant WNT/β-catenin signaling is implicated in melanoma development and progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of the WNT/β-catenin pathway in melanoma.
• To summarize natural compounds that modulate this pathway in melanoma.
• To identify potential therapeutic strategies for melanoma treatment and chemoprevention.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent research on WNT/β-catenin signaling in melanoma.
• Analysis of studies investigating natural compounds targeting the WNT/β-catenin pathway.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on pathway modulation in melanoma.

Main Results:

• The WNT/β-catenin pathway plays a significant role in melanoma tumor development and maintenance.
• Several natural compounds show potential for modulating the WNT/β-catenin pathway.
• Limited natural compounds are known to effectively modulate this pathway specifically in melanoma.

Conclusions:

• The WNT/β-catenin pathway is a critical target for melanoma therapy.
• Natural compounds offer a promising avenue for developing novel melanoma treatments.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the therapeutic potential of natural compounds targeting WNT/β-catenin in melanoma.