The role of Wt1 in regulating mesenchyme in cancer, development, and tissue homeostasis

You-Ying Chau, Nicholas D. Hastie*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalLiterature reviewpeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

From both the fundamental and clinical perspectives, there is growing interest in mesenchymal cells and the mechanisms that regulate the two-way switch between mesenchymal and epithelial states. Here, we review recent findings showing that the Wilms' tumor gene (Wt1) is a key regulator of mesenchyme maintenance and the mesenchyme to epithelial balance in the development of certain mesodermal organs. We summarize recent experiments demonstrating, unexpectedly, that Wt1 is also essential for the integrity or function of multiple adult tissues, mainly, we argue, through regulating mesenchymal cells. We also discuss growing evidence that implicates Wt1 in tissue repair and regeneration. Drawing on these findings, we highlight the similarities between Wt1-expressing cells in different tissues. We believe that future studies aimed at elucidating the mechanisms underlying the functions of Wt1 in adult cells will reveal key cell types, pathways, and molecules regulating adult tissue homeostasis and repair.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)515-524
Number of pages10
JournalTrends in Genetics
Volume28
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2012

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • TRANSITION
  • regeneration
  • Wt1
  • ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS
  • homeostasis
  • GENE WT1
  • DIFFERENTIATION
  • EPITHELIAL TRANSFORMATION
  • stem cell
  • GROWTH
  • WILMS-TUMOR SUPPRESSOR
  • mesenchyme
  • DEVELOPING KIDNEY
  • MET/EMT
  • STEM-CELLS
  • METANEPHRIC MESENCHYME

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