Wnt signaling pathway in cardiac fibrosis: New insights and directions

Objective. Wnt signaling pathway significantly participates in cardiac fibrosis and CFs activation. Therefore, we reviewed current evidence on the new perspectives and biological association between Wnt signaling pathway and cardiac fibrosis. Design and Methods. A PubMed database search was performed for studies of Wnt signaling pathway in cardiac fibrosis and CFs activation. Results. Numerous studies have shown that the Wnt signaling pathway significantly participates in cardiac fibrosis pathogenesis. The aim of this review is to describe the present knowledge about the Wnt signaling pathway significantly participating in cardiac fibrosis and CFs activation, and look ahead on new perspectives of Wnt signaling pathway research. Moreover, we will discuss the different insights that interact with the Wnt signaling pathway-regulated cardiac fibrosis. The Wnt proteins are glycoproteins that bind to the Fz receptors on the cell surface, which lead to several important biological functions, such as cell differentiation and proliferation. There are several signals among the characterized pathways of cardiac fibrosis, including Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. In this review, new insight into the Wnt signaling pathway in cardiac fibrosis pathogenesis is discussed, with special emphasis on Wnt/beta-catenin. Conclusion. It seems reasonable to suggest the potential targets of Wnt signaling pathway and it can be developed as a therapeutic target for cardiac fibrosis. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.