GSK3: a multifaceted kinase in Wnt signaling

Trends Biochem Sci. 2010 Mar;35(3):161-8. doi: 10.1016/j.tibs.2009.10.002. Epub 2009 Oct 31.

Abstract

GSK3 is one of the few signaling mediators that play central roles in a diverse range of signaling pathways, including those activated by Wnts, hedgehog, growth factors, cytokines, and G protein-coupled ligands. Although the inhibition of GSK3-mediated beta-catenin phosphorylation is known to be the key event in Wnt-beta-catenin signaling, the mechanisms that underlie this event remain incompletely understood. The recent demonstration of GSK3 involvement in Wnt receptor phosphorylation illustrates the multifaceted roles that GSK3 plays in Wnt-beta-catenin signaling. In this review, we will summarize these recent results and offer explanations, hypotheses, and models to reconcile some of these observations.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / genetics
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 / metabolism*
  • LDL-Receptor Related Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Isoforms / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • Wnt Proteins / genetics
  • Wnt Proteins / metabolism*
  • beta Catenin / genetics
  • beta Catenin / metabolism

Substances

  • LDL-Receptor Related Proteins
  • Protein Isoforms
  • Wnt Proteins
  • beta Catenin
  • Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3