Dual effect of WISP-1 in diverse pathological processes

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Wnt-1 inducible signaling pathway-1 (WISP-1), also known as CCN-4, is a member of the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) family.
• WISP-1 is expressed in embryonic stem cells and plays roles in adult organ development, cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and adhesion.
• It is implicated in various pathophysiological processes, including embryonic development, inflammation, injury repair, and cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structure, expression, functions, clinical significance, and mechanisms of WISP-1.
• To explore WISP-1's dual role in cancer progression and non-neoplastic diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on WISP-1.
• Analysis of WISP-1's involvement in cellular processes and disease pathology.

Main Results:

• WISP-1 is highly correlated with tumor progression and malignant transformation.
• It acts as an oncogene in colorectal cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and breast cancer.
• Conversely, WISP-1 exhibits a tumor-suppressing role in lung and prostate cancers.
• WISP-1 influences cell proliferation, adhesion, motility, invasion, metastasis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.

Conclusions:

• WISP-1 has diverse functions and a context-dependent role in cancer.
• Understanding WISP-1's mechanisms is crucial for developing therapeutic strategies.