The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway controls several biological processes throughout development and adult life.
Dysregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling underlies a wide range of pathologies in animals and humans, including cancer in different tissues. In this review, we provide an update of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the possible roles of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the biology of testis, epididymis and prostate. Data from our laboratory suggest the involvement of 17β-estradiol and estrogen receptors (ERs) on the regulation of β-catenin expression in rat Sertoli cells. We also provide emerging evidences of the involvement of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in testis and prostate cancer. Our understanding of the role of Wnt/β-Catenin signaling in male reproductive tissues is still evolving, and several questions are open to be addressed in the future.
Written by:
Lombardi AP, Royer C, Pisolato R, Cavalcanti FN, Lucas TF, Lazari MF, Porto CS. Are you the author?
Section of Experimental Endocrinology; Department of Pharmacology; Escola Paulista de Medicina; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo, SP Brazil.
Reference: Spermatogenesis. 2013 Jan 1;3(1):e23181.
doi: 10.4161/spmg.23181
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 23687614
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