Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in lung cancer

Abstract

The Wnt signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, genetic stability, and apoptosis in almost all tissues and organs. It plays a crucial role in the normal development of embryos and the dynamic balance of adult tissues. When mutated or maladjusted, the Wnt signaling pathway activates its downstream signals and causes many diseases, especially cancer. Wnt/β-catenin is a classic Wnt signaling pathway whose high activation is closely related to tumor metastasis, migration, invasion, and chemotherapy resistance. Among them, the occurrence and development of lung cancer are closely related to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and its key molecules, such as Wnt1, β-catenin, cyclinD1, and SOX-2, are expressed to varying degrees in the lung cancer tissue. This paper reviews the research status of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in lung cancer and the related drug research progress.

Keywords

• Wnt signaling
• β-Catenin
• Lung cancer
• Drug development
• Cancer therapy