Wnt/β-catenin signalling: function, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic opportunities

The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway comprises a family of proteins that play critical roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. The deregulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signalling often leads to various serious diseases, including cancer and non-cancer diseases. Although many articles have reviewed Wnt/beta-catenin from various aspects, a systematic review encompassing the origin, composition, function, and clinical trials of the Wnt/beta-catenin signalling pathway in tumour and diseases is lacking. In this article, we comprehensively review the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway from the above five aspects in combination with the latest research. Finally, we propose challenges and opportunities for the development of small-molecular compounds targeting the Wnt signalling pathway in disease treatment.

Automated summary

This article provides a comprehensive review of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, including its origin, composition, function, and clinical trials. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities for developing small-molecule compounds targeting this signaling pathway in disease treatment.