A re-evaluation of the "oncogenic" nature of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in melanoma and other cancers.
In cancer, Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is ubiquitously referred to as an "oncogenic" pathway that promotes tumor progression. This review examines how the regulation and downstream effects of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in cancer varies depending on cellular context, with a focus on malignant melanoma. We emphasize that the cellular homeostasis of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling may represent a more appropriate concept than the simplified view of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway as either oncogenic or tumor-suppressing. Ultimately, a more refined understanding of the contextual regulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling will be essential for addressing if and how therapeutic targeting of this pathway could be leveraged for patient benefit.
Lucero
Olivia M
OM
Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, The University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA.
Dawson
David W
DW
Moon
Randall T
RT
Chien
Andy J
AJ
D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D009857:Oncogenes / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction; D051153:Wnt Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D051176:beta Catenin / Q000378:metabolism*
D051153:Wnt Proteins; D051176:beta Catenin