DDK家族蛋白和Wnt信号通路在肾细胞癌中的作用

Wnt信号通路在肾癌的发生、发展以及转归中都发挥着重要作用。本研究总结了这种通路在肾细胞癌中异常激活的可能机制。讨论Dickkopfs在调节这种通路中的作用。DKK蛋白家族由4个成员组成(DKK1~DKK4),充当Wnt信号通路的抑制剂。并非所有成员都抑制Wnt信号通路。它们的功能意义需要进一步的证明,为DKK在肾脏癌变过程中对Wnt信号通路的调节提供新的认识。由于这种重要的致瘤作用,β-连环蛋白(β-catenin)和Wnt信号通路将成为治疗肾细胞癌的潜在目标。
Wnt/β-catenin signaling involves in the progression and development of RCC. Based on the current understanding, this article summarizes the possible mechanisms for the aberrant activation of this pathway with specific focus on RCC. Furthermore, we will discuss the role of dickkopfs(DKKs) in regulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. DKKs are a family of secreted proteins comprising of at least four members(DKK1-DKK4), which act as inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Nevertheless, not all members antagonize Wnt/β-catenin signaling, their functional implication in hepatic carcinogenesis remains to be further characterized. Because of their important oncogenic roles, β-catenin and Wnt/β-catenin pathway might be used as potential molecules targets for treatment of RCC