Abstract
The Wnt pathway controls cell fate during embryonic development. It also persists as a key regulator of homeostasis in adult self-renewing tissues. In these tissues, mutational deregulation of the Wnt cascade is closely associated with malignant transformation. The intestinal epithelium represents the best-understood example for the closely linked roles of Wnt signaling in homeostatic self-renewal and malignant transformation. In this review, we outline current understanding of the physiological role of Wnt signaling in intestinal biology. From this perspective, we then describe how mutational subversion of the Wnt cascade leads to colorectal cancer.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / metabolism*
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Colorectal Neoplasms / genetics*
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Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism
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Cytoskeletal Proteins / metabolism
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Endoderm / metabolism*
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Homeostasis / physiology*
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Humans
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Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
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Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
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Intestinal Mucosa / embryology
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Intestinal Mucosa / metabolism*
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Mice
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Mutation / genetics
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Signal Transduction / physiology*
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Trans-Activators / metabolism
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Wnt Proteins
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beta Catenin
Substances
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CTNNB1 protein, human
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CTNNB1 protein, mouse
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Cytoskeletal Proteins
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Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
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Trans-Activators
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Wnt Proteins
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beta Catenin