Wnt signaling
Wnt signaling is a complex communication pathway that plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, development, and differentiation. It involves a series of proteins that transmit signals from the cell surface to the nucleus, influencing gene expression and cellular behavior. This pathway is essential during embryonic development and helps maintain tissue homeostasis in adults.
When Wnt proteins bind to their receptors on the cell surface, they initiate a cascade of events that can lead to various outcomes, such as cell proliferation or changes in cell fate. Dysregulation of Wnt signaling is associated with several diseases, including cancer, making it a significant area of research in biology and medicine.