Targeting the Wnt pathways for therapies
January 2014
in “Molecular and cellular therapies”
TLDR Blocking the Wnt pathway could lead to new treatments for cancer and tissue repair but requires careful development to avoid side effects.
In 2014, Blagodatski et al. reviewed the role of the Wnt/ß-catenin signaling pathway in development, stem cell proliferation, tissue regeneration, and cancer progression. They discussed therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway, including small molecule inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and repurposed FDA-approved drugs, with some treatments reaching clinical trials. The pathway's involvement in cancer stem cell proliferation and its potential in regenerative medicine for bone, muscle, skin, hair follicle, and neuroprotection were highlighted. However, the dual role of Wnt signaling in regeneration and inflammation, particularly in Alzheimer's disease, presents challenges. The review emphasized the need for highly specific modulators to minimize risks and maximize therapeutic benefits, noting the importance of safety assessments due to the potential for adverse effects like cancer progression.
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