Abstract

Since the discovery of the first Wnt gene 35 years ago (Nusse and Varmus, 1982), Wnt signaling has been the focus of extensive research because of its key role in many aspects of developmental biology, tissue homeostasis, stem cells differentiation, and disease (especially cancer). The aim of this book is to summarize the current knowledge on Wnt signaling in tissue development and stem cells (e.g., muscle, skin, intestine, etc.). Additionally, due to its impact on human health, each chapter describes the pathologies associated to dysregulation of Wnt signaling and the therapeutic strategies that have been developed. Therefore, this book is going to be of interest to students and researchers on the biological sciences, physicians, pharmacologists, and any one interested to understand how an evolutionary conserved signaling pathway regulates tissue homeostasis and how its dysregulation gives rise to disease and the current strategies to target pharmacologically this signaling pathway. The book consists of 11 chapters. Chapter 1 explains the role of Wnt signaling on intestine and liver homeostasis and disease, focusing on stem cells niche and cancer. Chapter 2 reviews the role of Wnt signaling on epithelial tissue, specifically on the regulation of stem cells and pathology (i.e., cancer). Chapter 3 reviews the current understanding of the role of Wnt signaling on central nervous system development and homeostasis, considering also the pathologies associated to the pathway malfunctioning. Chapter 4 defines the novel function of Wnt signaling in regulating ribosome biogenesis. Chapter 5 discusses Wnt signaling function on skeletal muscle development and disease. Wnt signaling role on kidney development and malfunctioning is the subject of Chapter 6. Wnt signaling function on stem cells and cancer stem cells at the molecular level is the focus of Chapter 7. In Chapter 8, authors review the current therapeutic strategies devoted to treat cancer associated to dysregulation of Wnt signaling. Chapter 9 reviews the current knowledge on Wnt signaling and mammary stem cells and breast cancer. Chapter 10 reviews the role of Wnt signaling in organoid culture and its importance on personalized medicine. Chapter 11 defines the role of Wnt signaling on hematological development and disease.