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Wnt Signaling in the Tumor Microenvironment
Yongsheng Ruan1,2, Heather Ogana1, Eunji Gang1
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology, Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|October 30, 2020
Summary
Dysregulated Wnt signaling fuels cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Targeting Wnt signaling within the tumor microenvironment (TME) offers a promising therapeutic strategy for various cancers, including leukemia.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Biology
Background:
- Wnt signaling is crucial in cancer development, progression, and metastasis.
- The tumor microenvironment (TME) significantly influences cancer growth and therapy resistance.
- Leukemia and other cancers are increasingly linked to Wnt signaling and TME interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the Wnt signaling pathway.
- To explore the role of Wnt signaling in various TME components.
- To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting Wnt signaling in cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Wnt signaling in cancer.
- Analysis of Wnt pathway interactions with TME elements.
- Synthesis of current therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Wnt signaling dysregulation is a key driver in many human cancers.
- The TME, comprising immune cells, ECM, fibroblasts, ECs, and stromal cells, interacts with Wnt signaling.
- Wnt-TME crosstalk promotes tumor cell proliferation and survival, notably in leukemia.
Conclusions:
- Wnt signaling is a central player in cancer biology and TME dynamics.
- Understanding Wnt-TME interactions is vital for developing effective cancer therapies.
- Targeting Wnt signaling within the TME presents a viable therapeutic avenue for various malignancies.
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