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Author Spotlight: Analyzing Bone Marrow Microenvironment in Murine Hematological Malignancies
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Wnt Signaling in Leukemia and Its Bone Marrow Microenvironment
Yongsheng Ruan1,2, Hye Na Kim1, Heather Ogana1
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90027, USA.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|September 3, 2020
Summary
Leukemia relapse may stem from therapy-resistant leukemic stem cells (LSCs) protected within the bone marrow microenvironment. Targeting Wnt signaling pathways offers a promising therapeutic strategy against these resistant leukemia cells.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Leukemia is a severe blood cancer characterized by aggressive neoplastic disease.
- Therapy-resistant leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are implicated in disease relapse.
- Leukemic stem cells reside within a protective leukemia microenvironment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the critical role of Wnt signaling in maintaining hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and LSCs.
- To summarize recent findings on Wnt signaling in leukemia and its microenvironment.
- To discuss current strategies for targeting Wnt signaling in leukemia therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent findings on Wnt signaling in leukemia.
- Analysis of the leukemia microenvironment components (MSC, endothelial cells, osteoblasts).
- Summary of therapeutic strategies targeting Wnt pathways.
Main Results:
- Wnt signaling pathways (canonical and noncanonical) are crucial for both normal HSCs and LSCs.
- The leukemia microenvironment, rich in MSCs, endothelial cells, and osteoblasts, protects LSCs.
- Targeting Wnt signaling presents a viable therapeutic avenue.
Conclusions:
- Wnt signaling is a key regulator in leukemia pathogenesis and maintenance.
- Understanding the interplay between LSCs and the microenvironment is vital for effective treatment.
- Targeting Wnt signaling pathways holds potential for overcoming therapy resistance in leukemia.
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