Physiopathological aspects of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in the male reproductive system

摘要

The Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway controls several biological processes throughout development and adult life. Dysregulation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling underlies a wide range of pathologies in animals and humans, including cancer in differenttissues. In this review, we provide an update of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway and the possible roles of the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in the biology of testis, epididymis and prostate. Data from our laboratory suggest the involvement of 17beta-estradiol and estrogen receptors (ERs) on the regulation of beta-catenin expression in rat Sertoli cells. We also provide emerging evidences of the involvement of Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in testis and prostate cancer. Our understanding of the role of Wnt/beta-Catenin signaling in male reproductive tissues is still evolving, and several questions are open to be addressed in the future.