What is the Difference Between Canonical and Noncanonical WNT Pathway?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The WNT signaling pathway is essential for various cellular processes and is involved in both canonical and non-canonical pathways. The difference between these two pathways lies in their mechanisms and functions:
Canonical WNT Pathway:
- Defined by the intracellular accumulation of β-catenin and its subsequent translocation to the nucleus, where it regulates the expression of target genes.
- This pathway is well-characterized and is involved in processes such as cell proliferation, differentiation, and embryonic development.
Non-Canonical WNT Pathway:
- Defined by its β-catenin-independent actions, ranging from intracellular signaling and expression of target genes.
- This pathway follows two distinct branches: the Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway and the Wnt/calcium (Ca2+) pathway.
- Non-canonical Wnt signaling has been implicated in processes such as cell migration, invasion, and directional cell movement.
The classification of Wnt signaling into canonical and non-canonical pathways has been challenged due to the complexity of their cross-talk and the interconnected nature of these pathways. Both pathways play crucial roles in various cellular processes and are involved in maintaining stem cell properties and regulating cell migration. Additionally, infectious pathogens have been shown to hijack these mechanisms to alter host Wnt signaling, highlighting the importance of properly understanding the cellular sources of Wnt ligands.
Comparative Table: Canonical vs Noncanonical WNT Pathway
The WNT signaling pathway plays essential roles in cell differentiation, proliferation, and death, which are vital for immune homeostasis. There are two main types of WNT signaling pathways: canonical and noncanonical WNT pathways. Here is a table comparing the differences between the two:
| Feature | Canonical WNT Pathway | Noncanonical WNT Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A type of WNT signaling pathway that activates target genes through β-catenin activation. | A type of WNT signaling pathway that activates target genes through β-catenin-independent mechanisms. |
| Activation | Activated by Wnt ligands binding to the Frizzled receptor and its coreceptor, LRP5/6. | Activated through two distinct pathways: the Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway and the Wnt/calcium (Ca2+) pathway. |
| Function | Involved in self-renewal of stem cells and maintenance of immune homeostasis. | Involved in maintenance of stem cells, directional cell movement, or inhibition of the canonical WNT signaling cascade. |
| Role in Cancer | Associated with the development and progression of various cancers. | Also involved in cancer development and progression, but through different mechanisms than the canonical pathway. |
Both canonical and noncanonical WNT signaling cascades play key roles in the development and progression of various cancers. However, noncanonical WNT signaling pathways have distinct functions and mechanisms compared to the canonical pathway.
- Classical Alternative vs Lectin Pathway
- Oxidative vs Nonoxidative Pentose Phosphate Pathway
- Canonical Structure vs Resonance Hybrid
- De Novo vs Salvage Pathway
- Canonical vs Grand Canonical Ensemble
- Embden Meyerhof Pathway vs Entner Doudoroff Pathway
- Cell Cycle Specific vs Cell Cycle Nonspecific
- Intrinsic vs Extrinsic Pathway of Apoptosis
- Differentiation vs Morphogenesis
- Walk vs Path
- Biosynthetic vs Degradative Pathways
- Symplast vs Vacuolar Pathway
- Cancer Cell Cycle vs Normal Cell Cycle
- Recombinant vs Nonrecombinant
- Angiogenesis vs Neovascularization
- Allosteric vs Non-allosteric Enzymes
- Pentose Phosphate Pathway vs Glycolysis
- Vasculogenesis vs Angiogenesis
- Viral vs Nonviral Vectors