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Development and Maintenance of a Preclinical Patient Derived Tumor Xenograft Model for the Investigation of Novel Anti-Cancer Therapies
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Published on: September 30, 2016

DKK1 in Cancer: A Bench-to-Bedside Review of Molecular Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

Meiheng Sun1, Yuzhe Wang2, Yihao Zhang1

  • 1School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.

Cancers
|May 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is a protein that can suppress tumors but also promote cancer progression and resistance. This review explores DKK1

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Signaling Pathways

Background:

  • Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is a secreted glycoprotein.
  • Traditionally, DKK1 antagonizes Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
  • Emerging evidence implicates DKK1 in tumor progression, immune evasion, and therapy resistance across various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive bench-to-bedside overview of DKK1 in cancer.
  • To delineate DKK1's regulation of Wnt-dependent and Wnt-independent pathways.
  • To evaluate DKK1's potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker and discuss targeted interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review integrating preclinical insights and clinical data.
  • Analysis of DKK1's role in Wnt signaling pathways.
  • Evaluation of clinical applications and therapeutic strategies.

Main Results:

  • DKK1 exhibits dual roles, acting as a tumor suppressor in certain contexts but promoting malignancy in others.
  • DKK1 influences both canonical Wnt/β-catenin and Wnt-independent pathways.
  • DKK1 shows potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target.

Conclusions:

  • DKK1 is a critical factor in cancer development and progression.
  • Targeting DKK1 offers promising therapeutic avenues.
  • Further research is needed for successful clinical translation of DKK1-based therapies.
Keywords:
Dickkopf-1cancerclinical trailsmechanismtargeted therapy

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