Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway is central to a large number of diverse cellular processes during embryological development, including those involved in the formation of bone and cartilage. Wnt signaling continues to play a critical role in the homeostasis, repair, and regeneration of bone in adults. Imbalances in this highly conserved and complex system contribute to a number of diseases, including impaired bone healing, autoimmune disease, and cancer. Critical-sized skeletal defects represent a major challenge to the reconstructive surgeon and are often associated with significant morbidity. The Wnt pathway is an attractive therapeutic target with potential to directly modulate stem cells responsible for skeletal tissue regeneration. Recent research indicates that Wnt ligands are able to promote bone growth, suggesting that Wnt factors could be used to stimulate bone healing of nonunions and large bony defects. This chapter explores the essential role of the Wnt pathway in bone regeneration.
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