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Updated: Oct 12, 2025
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Modeling Paracrine Noncanonical Wnt Signaling In Vitro
Published on: December 10, 2021
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Dickkopf signaling, beyond Wnt-mediated biology
Akira Kikuchi1, Shinji Matsumoto2, Ryota Sada2
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan.
Seminars in Cell & Developmental Biology
|November 21, 2021
Summary
Dickkopf1 (DKK1) protein, initially known for Wnt signaling, shows new roles in tumor aggressiveness and immune responses independent of Wnt. Novel therapies targeting DKK1 and its receptors are promising for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Dickkopf1 (DKK1) is a secreted protein that antagonizes Wnt signaling, crucial for development.
- Postnatal and adult functions of DKK1 are not fully understood.
- Emerging evidence links DKK1 to tumorigenesis and immune reactions, potentially independent of Wnt signaling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel functions of Dickkopf proteins (DKKs), including DKK1.
- To explore DKKs' roles in tumor aggressiveness independent of Wnt signaling.
- To highlight potential cancer therapies targeting DKKs and their receptors.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on DKK family proteins.
- Analysis of evidence for DKK involvement in tumorigenesis and immune responses.
- Summary of DKK receptor characteristics and signaling pathways.
Main Results:
- DKK1 exhibits functions beyond Wnt signaling antagonism.
- DKKs are implicated in tumor aggressiveness through Wnt-independent mechanisms.
- DKKs may play a role in regulating immune reactions.
Conclusions:
- DKK family proteins have diverse physiological and pathological roles.
- Targeting DKKs and their receptors presents promising avenues for cancer therapy.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of DKK action in immunity and disease.
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