Wnt/Fz signaling and the cytoskeleton: potential roles in tumorigenesis

Cell Res. 2009 May;19(5):532-45. doi: 10.1038/cr.2009.41.

Abstract

Wnt/beta-catenin regulates cellular functions related to tumor initiation and progression, cell proliferation, differentiation, survival, and adhesion. Beta-catenin-independent Wnt pathways have been proposed to regulate cell polarity and migration, including metastasis. In this review, we discuss the possible roles of both beta-catenin-dependent and -independent signaling pathways in tumor progression, with an emphasis on their regulation of Rho-family GTPases, cytoskeletal remodeling, and relationships with cell-cell adhesion and cilia/ciliogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cilia / metabolism
  • Cytoskeleton / metabolism*
  • Frizzled Receptors / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms / etiology
  • Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*
  • beta Catenin / metabolism*
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Frizzled Receptors
  • Wnt Proteins
  • beta Catenin
  • rho GTP-Binding Proteins