Developmental pathways in colon cancer: crosstalk between WNT, BMP, Hedgehog and Notch

FE Bertrand, CW Angus, WJ Partis, G Sigounas - Cell cycle, 2012 - Taylor & Francis
FE Bertrand, CW Angus, WJ Partis, G Sigounas
Cell cycle, 2012Taylor & Francis
A hallmark of cancer is reactivation/alteration of pathways that control cellular differentiation
during developmental processes. Evidence indicates that WNT, Notch, BMP and Hedgehog
pathways have a role in normal epithelial cell differentiation, and that alterations in these
pathways accompany establishment of the tumorigenic state. Interestingly, there is recent
evidence that these pathways are intertwined at the molecular level, and these nodes of
intersection may provide opportunities for effective targeted therapies. This review will …
A hallmark of cancer is reactivation/alteration of pathways that control cellular differentiation during developmental processes. Evidence indicates that WNT, Notch, BMP and Hedgehog pathways have a role in normal epithelial cell differentiation, and that alterations in these pathways accompany establishment of the tumorigenic state. Interestingly, there is recent evidence that these pathways are intertwined at the molecular level, and these nodes of intersection may provide opportunities for effective targeted therapies. This review will highlight the role of the WNT, Notch, BMP and Hedgehog pathways in colon cancer.
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