Challenging role of Wnt5a and its signaling pathway in cancer metastasis (Review)

Zhu,Neng; Qin,Li; Luo,Zhigang; Guo,Qiong; Yang,Luoyan; Liao,Duanfang

doi:10.3892/etm.2014.1676

Challenging role of Wnt5a and its signaling pathway in cancer metastasis (Review)

Authors:
- Neng Zhu
- Li Qin
- Zhigang Luo
- Qiong Guo
- Luoyan Yang
- Duanfang Liao
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Affiliations: Department of Urology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China, Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China, Department of Urology, Second Affiliated Hospital of South China University, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, P.R. China
Published online on: April 11, 2014 https://doi.org/10.3892/etm.2014.1676
Pages: 3-8

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Abstract

Wnt5a is a noncanonical signaling member of the wingless‑related/mouse mammary tumor virus integration family, which is involved in a wide range of cellular processes, particularly in cancer development and metastasis. Accumulating evidence indicates that Wnt5a exhibits paradoxical effects in various types of cancer metastasis. Therefore, the Wnt5a signaling cascade in cancer metastasis appears to be complex and may depend on binding receptors, downstream effectors, exogenous inhibitors and tumor microenvironments, as well as the extracellular matrix, particularly cell/tissue‑tropic contexts. The aim of the present study was to summarize the previous findings on the roles of Wnt5a and the potential mechanisms in various types of cancer metastasis. Furthermore, it is reasonable to hypothesize that Wnt5a and the involved signaling pathways may become molecular targets in the treatment of cancer metastasis.

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