Wnt-signalling and the metabolic syndrome.
The Wnt-signalling pathway plays a well-established role in embryogenesis and tumourigenesis. However, recent data puts Wnt-signalling in the context of metabolic disease. In vitro and in vivo data characterised the role of Wnt-signalling molecules in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation (adipogenesis). Furthermore, Wnts play a pivotal role in regulating pancreatic beta-cell function and mass. In addition, studies found polymorphisms within the gene encoding TCF7L2, a Wnt-regulated transcription factor, to contribute an increased risk to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans. This review will summarise recent aspects of Wnt-signalling in these pathophysiologic events and discuss the contributions of dysregulation in Wnt-signalling to features of the metabolic syndrome.
Schinner
S
S
Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Rheumatology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany. sven.schinner@uni-duesseldorf.de
D017667:Adipocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D050156:Adipogenesis; D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D050417:Insulin-Secreting Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*
D051153:Wnt Proteins