Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Liver Pathobiology

Abstract

The liver has a critical role in regulating host metabolism, immunity, detoxification, and homeostasis. Proper liver function is essential for host health, and dysregulation of hepatic signaling pathways can lead to the onset of disease. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is an important regulator of liver homeostasis and function. Throughout life, hepatic Wnt/β-catenin signaling contributes to liver development and growth, metabolic zonation, and regeneration. Extensive research has demonstrated that aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling drives liver pathologies, including cancers, steatohepatitis, and cholestasis. In this review, we discuss the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as it pertains to liver function and how disruptions in this pathway contribute to the onset and progression of liver diseases. Further, we discuss ongoing research that targets the Wnt/β-catenin pathway for the treatment of liver pathologies.

Keywords: carcinoma; cholestasis; development; metabolism; regeneration.