Pinworm and TNKS inhibitors, an eccentric duo to derail the oncogenic WNT pathway

The WNT/beta-catenin pathway underlies many human cancers through mutations in the APC, beta-catenin, and Axin genes. Activation of WNT signalling can also occur due to the localization of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3 beta) to the multivesicular bodies, which prevents the degradation of beta-catenin. This leads to accumulation of beta-catenin within the cytoplasmic matrix and nucleus of cancer cells, which triggers the transactivation of genes involved in cell proliferation, including various oncogenes. Recent research into the mechanistic regulations of molecule homeostasis and identification of new small-targeted inhibitors has provided further insights into the WNT signalling pathway and its role in human cancers. Novel WNT inhibitors target unsuspected cellular enzymes, such as tankyrases, or casein kinase 1 alpha/gamma, which controls the destruction of beta-catenin and GSK3 beta. These could lead to the identification of new biomarkers and WNT-targeted inhibitors for the treatment of cancer. (C) 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.