Loss of beta-catenin impairs the renewal of normal and CML stem cells in vivo
Loss of beta-catenin impairs the renewal of normal and CML stem cells in vivo.
Zhao C, Blum J, Chen A, Young HK, Jung SH, Cook MP, Lagoo A, and Reya T. 2007.
Cancer Cell. 12:528-541. PubMed | PDF | Supplemental Data |
ABSTRACT
A key characteristic of stem cells and cancer cells is their ability to self-renew. To test if Wnt signaling can regulate the self-renewal of both stem cells and cancer cells in the hematopoietic system, we developed mice that lack beta-catenin in their hematopoietic cells. Here we show that beta-catenin-deficient mice can form HSCs, but that these cells are deficient in long-term growth and maintenance. Moreover, beta-catenin deletion causes a profound reduction in the ability of mice to develop BCR-ABL-induced chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML), while allowing progression of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). These studies demonstrate that Wnt signaling is required for the self-renewal of normal and neoplastic stem cells in the hematopoietic system.
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