Receptor Wnt: fisiología, fisiopatología y potenciales nuevas dianas terapéuticas

The canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway constitutes an essential mechanism in the regulation of bone mass. It implies the correct functioning of different interconnected factors and can exercise a global control on the osteoblast, favoring its proliferation, differentiation or apoptosis. One of its most important components is a co-receptor complex formed by the Frizzled (Fz). The adequate function of this complex leads to the activation of the genetic transcription mechanisms in the nucleus mediated by beta-catenin. This will regulate gene expression related with the differentiation or function of the osteoblast. Identification of mutations in the co-receptor Fz receptor-LRP5/6 complex results in greater understanding of hereditary diseases that occur with elevated or decreased bone mass. Further, the finding of antagonist elements of the Wnt pathway, such as sclerostin or Dickkopf proteins is making it possible to discover new therapeutic targets that exercise an anabolic effect in the bone tissue but does not alter its physiological biomechanics.