Targeting the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in cancer: Update on effectors and inhibitors

Cancer Treat Rev. 2018 Jan:62:50-60. doi: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2017.11.002. Epub 2017 Nov 13.

Abstract

The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is a family of proteins that is implicated in many vital cellular functions such as stem cell regeneration and organogenesis. Several intra-cellular signal transduction pathways are induced by Wnt, notably the Wnt/beta-catenin dependent pathway or canonical pathway and the non-canonical or beta-catenin-independent pathway; the latter includes the Wnt/Ca2+ and Planar Cell Polarity pathway (PCP). Wnt activation occurs at the intestinal crypt floor, and is critical to optimal maintenance of stem cells. Colorectal cancers show evidence of Wnt signaling pathway activation and this is associated with loss of function of the tumor regulator APC. Wnt activation has been observed in breast, lung, and hematopoietic malignancies and contributes to tumor recurrence. The Wnt pathway cross talks with the Notch and Sonic Hedgehog pathways, which has implications for therapeutic interventions in cancers. There are significant challenges in targeting the Wnt pathway, including finding agents that are efficacious without damaging the system of normal somatic stem cell function in cellular repair and tissue homeostasis. Here, we comprehensively review the Wnt pathway and its interactions with the Notch and Sonic Hedgehog pathways. We present the state of the field in effectors and inhibitors of Wnt signaling, including updates on clinical trials in various cancers with inhibitors of Wnt, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog.

Keywords: Beta-catenin; Colorectal cancers; Gamma secretase; Hedgehog; Targeted therapy; Wnt.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Cell Self Renewal
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Hedgehog Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Hematologic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Lung Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells
  • Receptors, Notch / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Wnt Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Wnt Signaling Pathway*
  • beta Catenin / antagonists & inhibitors

Substances

  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • Receptors, Notch
  • Wnt Proteins
  • beta Catenin