Chen Xi, Yang Jun, Evans Paul M, Liu Chunming
Sealy Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, Texas 77555-1048, USA.
Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai). 2008 Jul;40(7):577-94. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7270.2008.00440.x.
Since the first Wnt gene was identified in 1982, the functions and mechanisms of Wnt signaling have been extensively studied. Wnt signaling is conserved from invertebrates to vertebrates and regulates early embryonic development as well as the homeostasis of adult tissues. In addition, both embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells are regulated by Wnt signaling. Deregulation of Wnt signaling is associated with many human diseases, particularly cancers. In this review, we will discuss in detail the functions of many components involved in the Wnt signal transduction pathway. Then, we will explore what is known about the role of Wnt signaling in stem cells and cancers.
自1982年首个Wnt基因被鉴定以来，Wnt信号通路的功能和机制已得到广泛研究。Wnt信号通路在从无脊椎动物到脊椎动物中保守，调节早期胚胎发育以及成体组织的稳态。此外，胚胎干细胞和成体干细胞均受Wnt信号通路调控。Wnt信号通路失调与许多人类疾病相关，尤其是癌症。在本综述中，我们将详细讨论Wnt信号转导通路中许多组分的功能。然后，我们将探讨Wnt信号通路在干细胞和癌症中的作用。
