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The Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway as a Potential Target for Drug Resistant Leukemic Stem Cells

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Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells, Volume 10

Part of the book series: Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells ((STEM,volume 10))

Abstract

Components of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway are frequently mutated in cancer, and their deregulation has also been recently associated with the development of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Elevation of β-catenin activity is critical for blast transformation and drug resistant property of the stem cells in both chronic and acute myeloid leukemia, although the underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown. In this chapter, we will focus on the role of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in normal hematopoietic and leukemic stem cells. We will also review currently available small molecule inhibitors that target the canonical Wnt signaling, and propose their potential applications in combination with chemotherapy for cancer treatment.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Arnaud Gandillet for constructive discussions. Tsz Kan Fung is a Lady Tata Memorial Trust Fellow. Chi Wai Eric So is supported by Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research (LLR) UK, Kay Kendall Leukaemia Fund (KKLF), Medical Research Council (MRC), and the Association for International Cancer Research (AICR).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Leukaemia and Stem Cell Biology Group, The Rayne Institute, King’s College London, 123 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NU, UK

    Tsz Kan Fung & Chi Wai Eric So

  2. Department of Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

    Anskar Y. H. Leung

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  1. Tsz Kan Fung
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  2. Anskar Y. H. Leung
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  3. Chi Wai Eric So
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Correspondence to Chi Wai Eric So .

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  1. , Kean University, Room 213, Library building, Morris Avenue 1000, Union, 07083, New Jersey, USA

    M.A. Hayat

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Fung, T.K., Leung, A.Y.H., So, C.W.E. (2013). The Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway as a Potential Target for Drug Resistant Leukemic Stem Cells. In: Hayat, M. (eds) Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells, Volume 10. Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells, vol 10. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6262-6_14

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