Wnt Signaling in the Central Nervous System: New Insights in Health and Disease
Oliva, Carolina A.
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
Montecinos-Oliva, Carla
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile
Inestrosa, Nibaldo C.
Journal
Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Science
ISSN
1877-1173
Open Access
closed
Volume
153
Start page
81
End page
130
Since its discovery, Wnt signaling has been shown to be one of the most crucial morphogens in development and during the maturation of central nervous system. Its action is relevant during the establishment and maintenance of synaptic structure and neuronal function. In this chapter, we will discuss the most recent evidence on these aspects, and we will explore the evidence that involves Wnt signaling on other less known functions, such as in adult neurogenesis, in the generation of oscillatory neural rhythms, and in adult behavior. The dysfunction of Wnt signaling at different levels will be also discussed, in particular in those aspects that have been found to be linked with several neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders. Finally, we will address the possibility of Wnt signaling manipulation to treat those pathophysiological aspects.