Wnt-signalling and the metabolic syndrome

Horm Metab Res. 2009 Feb;41(2):159-63. doi: 10.1055/s-0028-1119408. Epub 2009 Feb 12.

Abstract

The Wnt-signalling pathway plays a well-established role in embryogenesis and tumourigenesis. However, recent data puts Wnt-signalling in the context of metabolic disease. In vitro and in vivo data characterised the role of Wnt-signalling molecules in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation (adipogenesis). Furthermore, Wnts play a pivotal role in regulating pancreatic beta-cell function and mass. In addition, studies found polymorphisms within the gene encoding TCF7L2, a Wnt-regulated transcription factor, to contribute an increased risk to develop type 2 diabetes mellitus in humans. This review will summarise recent aspects of Wnt-signalling in these pathophysiologic events and discuss the contributions of dysregulation in Wnt-signalling to features of the metabolic syndrome.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes / metabolism
  • Adipogenesis
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Insulin-Secreting Cells / metabolism
  • Metabolic Syndrome / genetics
  • Metabolic Syndrome / metabolism*
  • Metabolic Syndrome / physiopathology
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Wnt Proteins / genetics
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • Wnt Proteins