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Evolving functions of Dickkopf-1 in cancer and immunity

Nikolai Jaschke1, Lorenz C Hofbauer2, Andy Göbel2

  • 1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Bone Diseases, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Center for Healthy Ageing, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria.

Cancer Letters
|April 7, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1), a Wnt-signaling inhibitor, is crucial in bone formation and cancer. Emerging research reveals its roles in angiogenesis and immunity, leading to clinical trials for anti-DKK-1 therapies in malignancies.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Oncology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) is a key inhibitor of Wnt signaling, vital for bone formation.
  • Initially thought to be synthesized only in bone, DKK-1 is now known to be expressed in T-cells, platelets, and cancer cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evolving understanding of DKK-1 functions beyond bone regulation.
  • To highlight the clinical implications of DKK-1 research, particularly in oncology.
  • To identify future research directions for DKK-1 in health and disease.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of DKK-1 research.
  • Analysis of DKK-1's roles in angiogenesis, cancer biology, immune homeostasis, and inflammation.
  • Examination of ongoing clinical trials involving anti-DKK-1 antibodies.

Main Results:

  • DKK-1 plays significant roles in angiogenesis, cancer cell proliferation, and immune regulation.
  • Clinical trials are investigating anti-DKK-1 antibodies for various cancers.
  • DKK-1's pleiotropic functions are increasingly recognized.

Conclusions:

  • DKK-1 is a multifaceted molecule with implications beyond bone metabolism, especially in cancer.
  • Targeting DKK-1 presents a promising therapeutic strategy for malignancies.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate DKK-1's complex roles and optimize therapeutic applications.
Keywords:
CancerDickkopf-1ImmunityInflammationWnt-signaling

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