The Role of Wnt/β -Catenin Signaling in Normal and Malignant Hematopoiesis, Hemostasis
Date
2016
Authors
Sadras, T.
D'Andrea, R.
White, D.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
J Blood Res Hematol Dis, 2016; 1(1):1-9
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays indispensable roles in embryonic development and adult homeostasis. Through diverse mechanisms which are partially defined, abnormal activation of β-catenin occurs frequently in neoplastic disease. A critical function for Wnt/β-catenin in solid tumors, in particular colorectal cancer, has been well characterized. Increasing evidence indicates that this pathway is also deregulated in hematological malignancies. In acute myeloid leukemia, enhanced β-catenin levels are observed in a large proportion of patients, and correlates with increased blast clonogenicity and poor outcome. Similarly, in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), Wnt/β-catenin activation is observed in advanced disease, and inhibition of β-catenin in vivo potentiates the effect of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in mouse models of CML. While studies suggest that β-catenin may be dispensable for steady-state maintenance of adult hematopoietic stem cells, a critical function for this pathway in regulation of specialized leukemic stem cells (LSC)is emerging. Here we review the currently understood mechanisms and roles of β-catenin in hematological malignancies, and describe the evidence outlining the contribution of β-catenin activation inmediating the self-renewal and drug-resistant properties of LSC. In addition, given the implication of LSC in disease relapse, we discuss current approaches and limitations of targeting the Wnt/β-catenin axis in the clinic.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Access Status
Rights
Copyright 2016, SciTechnol