Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway is involved in both normal development and tumorigenesis. Activation of the pathway results in stabilization and nuclear translocation of beta-catenin protein. Nuclear localization of beta-catenin has been used to identify tumors in which mutations in APC or beta-catenin activate Wnt signaling. We analyzed the subcellular localization of beta-catenin immunohistochemically in human fetal and postnatal tissues to identify activation of Wnt signaling during development. Nuclear beta-catenin is present in capillary endothelium, mesenchyme surrounding renal tubules, adrenal cortex, cartilage anlage, placental cytotrophoblast, and pulmonary acinar buds. These investigations suggest a defined role for Wnt signaling in human fetal development and provide a catalogue of non-neoplastic tissues with nuclear beta-catenin staining.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 351-357 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Pediatric and Developmental Pathology |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 14 2001 |
Keywords
- Beta-catenin
- Development
- Immunohistochemistry
- Wnt
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Pathology and Forensic Medicine