Science in conversation: WNT signal path decrypted, prevent cancer!

Science in conversation: WNT signal path decrypted, prevent cancer!

Heidelberg, Deutschland - On June 4, 2025, an informative round of talks at the University of Heidelberg took place, moderated by journalist Wolfgang Heim. The focus was on the research results on the WNT signal path, an important communication road between cells. Prof. Dr. Michael Boutros, spokesman for the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1324 "Mechanisms and functions of the WNT signal path", as well as Dr. Josephine Bageritz, research group leader at the Center for Organic Studies, had their say to explain the relevance of their work.

the SFB 1324 is dedicated to the investigation of communication at a molecular level, in particular the exchange of messenger substances in cells. According to uni-heidelberg.de Wnt-proteins play a central role in embryonic development, for growth, the homeostasis of stem cells and in cell differentiation. They are crucial for the regulation of processes that can lead to severe diseases such as cancer in the event of disorders.

The Wnt signal path in detail

The WNT signal path is a signal transduction path that enables cells to react to external signals. As doccheck.com , this path is activated when the WNT protein binds to the receptor Frizzled and the CO receptor LRP. This leads to the activation of the protein Dishevelled, which inhibits a complex that normally reduces the protein beta-catenino.

In inactive WNT signal path cells, beta-catenin is available in a complex known as the "destruction complex". This consists of various proteins such as Axin, GSK3B and APC. The interaction of these components is crucial because they help to regulate the constant reduction of beta-catatin. However, if WNT develops its signal effect, the reduction of beta-cat-cats is inhibited, which leads to accumulation and ultimately to activate genes that are responsible for cell proliferation.

an interdisciplinary approach

The Collaborative Research Center brings together experts from various disciplines, including cell biology, structural biology, molecular biology, physics, mathematics and medicine. This interdisciplinary collaboration enables complex questions about signal transmission and their effects on health to analyze. Prof. Boutros, who is also Dean of the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg, emphasizes the need to understand the WNT signal paths in both healthy and sick organisms.

The series "Survival Strategies", which presents various life -scientific special research areas of the Heidelberg University, not only shows the versatile applications of research, but also addresses essential questions about illness and health. For example, brain tumors, heart and skin diseases as well as chronic pain are treated, with the WNT signal path playing a fundamental role in many of these processes.

Research in the area of ​​the WNT signal path violently shows how molecules work together in embryonic development and the development of illness. Understanding these complex processes could be the key to developing new therapies to act against diseases such as cancer.