What Are the Potential Effects of Toxicants on the Wnt Pathway?
Toxicants can affect the Wnt pathway in several ways:
Activation of β-catenin: Over-activation of β-catenin can result in unchecked cell proliferation, a hallmark of cancer. For example, some heavy metals and industrial chemicals have been shown to activate β-catenin, contributing to tumorigenesis. Inhibition of Wnt signaling: Certain toxicants can inhibit Wnt signaling, leading to impaired development and differentiation. For instance, exposure to high levels of lead can negatively impact neurodevelopment by inhibiting this pathway.
