Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK signaling: allies and enemies in different battlefields

Sci Signal. 2012 Apr 10;5(219):pe15. doi: 10.1126/scisignal.2002921.

Abstract

Two papers published in Science Signaling reveal extensive crosstalk between Wnt/β-catenin and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in cancer. Although both studies describe previously unknown links between these two signaling pathways, the relationship between Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK signaling depends on the specific cellular context. Indeed, in melanoma, hyperactivated MAPK signaling down-regulates the Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction cascade, thereby establishing a negative crosstalk between the two signaling pathways. In contrast, in colorectal cancer, stimulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway leads to activation of the MAPK pathway through Ras stabilization, representing an example of positive crosstalk. Moreover, activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling has context-dependent functions that trigger opposing effects on tumor growth. In melanoma, aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling may have anti-oncogenic functions by promoting programmed cell death; by contrast, in the intestine, Wnt/β-catenin signaling drives malignant transformation. Thus, there is no single correct way to target the Wnt/β-catenin pathway for all cancers.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Apoptosis / physiology*
  • Axin Protein / physiology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic*
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / metabolism*
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Melanoma / metabolism*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf / physiology*
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*
  • beta Catenin / metabolism*
  • ras Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Axin Protein
  • Wnt Proteins
  • beta Catenin
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3
  • ras Proteins