What Types of Mutations Affect the Wnt Pathway in Cancer?
One of the most common mutations in the Wnt pathway involves the APC gene, particularly in colorectal cancer. Mutations in APC lead to the stabilization and accumulation of β-catenin in the cell, driving the transcription of oncogenic Wnt target genes. Mutations in β-catenin itself are also common and usually occur in the phosphorylation sites necessary for its degradation. Other mutations can affect Axin, another component of the β-catenin destruction complex, further contributing to pathway dysregulation.
