Wnt signalling: variety at the core.
The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is a conserved cell-cell signalling mechanism in animals that regulates gene expression via TCF/LEF DNA-binding factors to coordinate many cellular processes. Vertebrates normally have four Tcf/Lef genes, which, through alternative splicing and alternative promoter use give rise to a variety of TCF/LEF isoforms. Recent evidence from several experimental systems suggests that this diversity of TCF/LEF factors is functionally important in vertebrates for mediating tissue- and stage-specific Wnt regulation in embryonic development, stem cell differentiation and associated diseases, such as cancer.
Hoppler
Stefan
S
Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK. s.p.hoppler@abdn.ac.uk
Kavanagh
Claire Louise
CL
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D051176:beta Catenin / Q000235:genetics
D051153:Wnt Proteins; D051176:beta Catenin