Role of Beta-Catenin Activation Levels and Fluctuations in Controlling Cell Fate

The document reviews the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway's crucial role in cell proliferation, differentiation, somatic cell reprogramming, development, and cancer, emphasizing the importance of precise regulation of β-catenin activity levels and temporal dynamics. It explains that maintaining β-catenin within a specific range is essential for proper development and disease prevention, with different cellular systems requiring distinct activation levels and dynamics. The review also discusses the pathway's involvement in intestinal epithelium homeostasis, central nervous system development, stem cell pluripotency, and cancer, noting that both inhibition and overactivation can lead to adverse effects, such as cancer. It highlights the dual role of β-catenin in cancer progression and suggests that understanding Wnt/β-catenin dynamics could lead to new research avenues. The document calls for mathematical models, computational tools, and novel experimental techniques like organoids and live-cell imaging to gain quantitative insights into signaling pathway dynamics for better understanding and targeted interventions. However, the document does not specify the number of participants in the referenced studies, which is necessary to assess the strength of the findings.