WNT/β-catenin signaling in tissue self-organization

Kelvin W. Pond, Konstantin Doubrovinski, Curtis A. Thorne

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Across metazoans, animal body structures and tissues exist in robust patterns that arise seemingly out of stochasticity of a few early cells in the embryo. These patterns ensure proper tissue form and function during early embryogenesis, development, homeostasis, and regeneration. Fundamental questions are how these patterns are generated and maintained during tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Though fascinating scientists for generations, these ideas remain poorly understood. Today, it is apparent that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a central role in tissue patterning. Wnt proteins are small diffusible morphogens which are essential for cell type specification and patterning of tissues. In this review, we highlight several mechanisms described where the spatial properties of Wnt/β-catenin signaling are controlled, allowing them to work in combination with other diffusible molecules to control tissue patterning. We discuss examples of this self-patterning behavior during development and adult tissues’ maintenance. The combination of new physiological culture systems, mathematical approaches, and synthetic biology will continue to fuel discoveries about how tissues are patterned. These insights are critical for understanding the intricate interplay of core patterning signals and how they become disrupted in disease.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number939
Pages (from-to)1-18
Number of pages18
JournalGenes
Volume11
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2020

Keywords

  • Morphogens
  • Reaction-diffusion
  • Self-organization
  • Tissue homeostasis
  • Tissue organization
  • Tissue patterning
  • Wnt
  • β-catenin

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics
  • Genetics(clinical)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'WNT/β-catenin signaling in tissue self-organization'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this