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Therapeutic Potential of Natural Compounds to Modulate WNT/β-Catenin Signaling in Cancer: Current State of Art and

Anna Gajos-Michniewicz1, Malgorzata Czyz1

  • 1Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, 6/8 Mazowiecka Street, 92-215 Lodz, Poland.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 17, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Targeting the WNT/β-catenin pathway shows promise for improving cancer treatment efficacy. Nature-derived agents offer potential benefits over synthetic options, with ongoing trials exploring their use in various cancers.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Cancer therapies like targeted therapy and immunotherapy have limitations including unpredictable response and drug resistance.
  • The WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway is frequently dysregulated in various cancer types, presenting a potential therapeutic target.
  • Novel therapeutic strategies are essential to overcome current treatment limitations in oncology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review preclinical studies and clinical trials targeting the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in cancer.
  • To highlight the potential of targeting WNT/β-catenin signaling for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
  • To emphasize the advantages of nature-derived agents in WNT/β-catenin pathway inhibition.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of preclinical studies investigating WNT/β-catenin pathway inhibitors in cancer.
  • Analysis of ongoing clinical trials evaluating WNT/β-catenin pathway targeting agents.
  • Comparative assessment of synthetic versus nature-derived agents for WNT/β-catenin pathway inhibition.

Main Results:

  • WNT/β-catenin pathway dysregulation is a common feature across diverse cancer types.
  • Numerous synthetic and natural compounds are being investigated for their ability to inhibit WNT/β-catenin signaling.
  • Nature-derived agents demonstrate potential for reduced toxicity and side effects compared to synthetic counterparts.

Conclusions:

  • Targeting the WNT/β-catenin pathway represents a promising strategy for novel cancer therapeutics.
  • Ongoing clinical trials suggest the feasibility and potential efficacy of WNT/β-catenin inhibitors in cancer treatment.
  • Nature-derived agents warrant further investigation as a safer and potentially effective therapeutic option for various cancers.
Keywords:
WNT modulatorsWNT/β-catenin signalingcancerclinical trialsnatural compounds

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