Wnt信号转导通路与肿瘤干细胞

Wnt signaling pathway and cancer stem cell

随着肿瘤干细胞学说的证实,调节干细胞自我更新及分化功能的信号调节网络越来越成为研究的热点。在复杂的结节网络中,Wnt信号通路的作用日益突出,对该信号通路的生物学行为的了解有利于深入了解肿瘤干细胞,也有利于针对肿瘤干细胞的分子靶向治疗的研究。本文就有关Wnt信号通路在这方面的研究进展作一综述。

Cancer can be viewed as a hierarchical system that is dependent on a small population of ＂ cancer stem cells＂ with unlimited self - renewal potential for continued growth and propagation of tumors. The identity and nature of these cells remains enigmatic, but an improved understanding of their biology may allow for selective therapeutic targeting. Therapies targeting cancer stem cells should focus on pathways such as Wnt, Shh and Notch which are required for the maintenance of cancer stem cells. The review is the advancements about the Wnt signal and the relationship between cancer stem cell and Wnt signaling pathway.