WNT Signaling in Alzheimer's Disease: Mechanisms, Pathological Implications, and Therapeutic Potential.

Abstract

The WNT signaling pathway plays a significant role in various biological processes during embryonic development, childhood, and adulthood. It is involved in neurogenesis, synapse formation, and such cognitive processes as learning and memory in the CNS. Dysregulated WNT signaling is associated with cognitive decline, synaptic dysfunction, neuronal loss, and has been associated with diseases like leukemia and colorectal cancer. The studies show that WNT/β-catenin signaling affects the cellular, molecular, and metabolic mechanisms that promote disease progression. The WNT pathway is a potential therapeutic target because it helps maintain neuronal survival, supports the growth of new nerve cells, and enhances synaptic plasticity. WNT signaling is important for stem cell selfrenewal and differentiation. Research is being conducted on therapeutic methods targeting WNT signaling to treat neurological diseases and cancer. This review explores the connection between WNT signaling and the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. This review explores the role of WNT signaling in AD pathogenesis, with a focus on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as a therapeutic target. It summarizes existing findings to demonstrate that WNT signaling is a context-dependent regulatory network in which a shift from protective canonical activity to dysregulated non-canonical and inflammatory pathways contributes to disease progression.