When prostate cancer meets bone: control by wnts

Cancer Lett. 2007 Aug 18;253(2):170-9. doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2006.12.040. Epub 2007 Apr 25.

Abstract

Morbidity and mortality of advanced prostate cancer (CaP) are associated with bone metastases. Bone metastases of prostate cancer stimulate new bone formation, resulting in osteoblastic metastases. Very little is known about how migrating CaP cells settle in the bone tissues and induce bone lesions, but recent studies have suggested that factors known as Wnts, which are expressed by CaP, can promote establishment of CaP cells in the bone microenvironment and stimulate bone formation. Signaling via the Wnt pathway is important in embryogenesis and development, and has also been shown to be important in cancer development and progression. CaP cells exhibit increased Wnt signaling vs. normal prostate epithelium, and Wnt has recently been shown to play a central role in bone development, regulating factors critical in control of osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. In this review we have focused on the roles of Wnt signaling in CaP, bone, and CaP bone metastases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Bone and Bones / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Wnt Proteins / genetics
  • Wnt Proteins / physiology*

Substances

  • Wnt Proteins