Transcriptional Outcome of Wnt-Frizzled Signal Transduction in Inflammation: Evolving Concepts

Wnt-Frizzled signaling was first identified as a key event in Drosophila development. Over the years, ample evidence has accumulated regarding the multiple roles of Wnt-Frizzled signaling in mammalian cell differentiation and tissue/organ morphogenesis. It is thus not surprising that variations in the regulatory network of the Wnt signaling scheme would lead to alterations in cellular organization and cell activation and to the development of pathogenic conditions. Several reports have accordingly implied the involvement of Wnt-Frizzled signaling in the activation of proinflammatory mediators in inflammatory disorders. We will discuss how Wnt-Frizzled signaling may initiate/augment inflammation, focusing on its transcriptional outcome.