Wnt signaling and colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common human cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death. Of all human cancers types, it is only CRC where there is unquestionable evidence that deregulated Wnt signaling drives tumorigenesis. In 1997, it was shown in CRC cells that Apc was a key negative regulator of β-catenin, establishing a direct link between CRC and the Wnt signaling pathway. In 1997, it was shown in CRC cells that Apc was a key negative regulator of β-catenin, establishing a direct link between CRC and the Wnt signaling pathway. This chapter discusses potential reasons why Apc is a key node in intestinal transformation (with reference to intestinal homeostasis, Wnt signaling levels, and other functions of Apc) and ends with a discussion of Wnt signaling in CRC progression and potential therapeutic targeting