Altered Wnt Pathway and Cancer Stem Cells

TheWNT pathway Wnt signaling pathway is essential in regulating various biological functions, including tissue homeostasis, stem cell maintenance, and embryonic development. Dysfunction in Wnt signaling is implicated in various cancers, driving tumor initiation, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), within tumors, possess unique abilities for self-renewal and differentiation, fueling tumor progression. Recent studies reveal the intricate interplay between genetic mutations and altered Wnt pathway in CSCs. Mutations in Wnt pathway components like β-catenin, APC, and Axin lead to perpetual pathway activation, enhancing stemness in CSCs. These mutations, often accompanied by other genomic changes, contribute to CSC heterogeneity, therapy resistance, and relapse. Comprehending Wnt pathway dysregulation in CSCs is crucial for targeted therapies. Targeting the Wnt pathway in CSC emerges as a promising approach to hinder tumor growth and metastasis. Additionally, advancements in genomic technologies and single-cell sequencing offer new insights into the clonal evolution and dynamics of CSC populations, providing opportunities for precision medicine approaches tailored to individual tumor profiles. Elucidating the genetic basis of Wnt pathwayWNT pathway dysregulation in CSCs holds significant implications for cancer biology and therapy. This chapter highlighted the impact of disrupted Wnt signaling in CSCs maintenance during tumorigenesis. In this context, we emphasize the crucial need to explore the intricacies of cancer stem cell biology and Wnt signaling to drive progress in cancer research and the development of targeted therapies and personalized medicine approaches.