Summary
Pathways involving beta-catenin that regulate axis formation, proliferation and stem cell maintenance.
In depth
Without Wnt, beta-catenin is phosphorylated and degraded; with Wnt, it accumulates and activates TCF target genes. Roles: axis formation, stem cell maintenance in gut crypts, cancer (APC mutations in colorectal cancer).
Canonical Wnt uses beta-catenin; non-canonical Wnt pathways control polarity and calcium. Secreted Wnt proteins are lipid-modified.
Example: colorectal cancer often carries APC mutations that stabilise beta-catenin.
Frequently asked questions
What is Wnt Signalling?
Pathways involving beta-catenin that regulate axis formation, proliferation and stem cell maintenance.
Which area of biology covers Wnt Signalling, and how advanced is it?
Wnt Signalling is one of the 54 topics in Developmental Biology. It is rated Advanced, so it suits learners who want specialist depth. Related topics in this area include BMP and TGF-Beta Signalling, Hedgehog Signalling, Spemann Organiser.
Can you give an example of Wnt Signalling?
Wnt is named from wingless (fly) and Int-1 (mouse).
What should I learn before Wnt Signalling?
Work through the Beginner topics in Developmental Biology first, such as Fertilisation, Zygote, Embryo, then return to Wnt Signalling. Advanced topics assume the Intermediate vocabulary.
What topics are related to Wnt Signalling?
The closest topics to Wnt Signalling are BMP and TGF-Beta Signalling, Hedgehog Signalling, Spemann Organiser, Planar Cell Polarity. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Wnt Signalling?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Wnt Signalling. To practise the whole of Developmental Biology, use the Developmental Biology quiz.
How is Wnt Signalling different from BMP and TGF-Beta Signalling?
Wnt Signalling: Pathways involving beta-catenin that regulate axis formation, proliferation and stem cell maintenance. BMP and TGF-Beta Signalling: Signals that pattern dorsal-ventral axes and regulate differentiation via SMAD proteins. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Wnt Signalling step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with BMP and TGF-Beta Signalling and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Developmental Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.