ROLE AND DYSFUNCTION OF THE EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT PATHS AND POST-NATAL PERSISTENCE. WNT / BETA-CATENINE SIGNALING ROAD INVOLVEMENT

Abstract

Introduction: Gene signaling is an essential input for successful embryonic events. Through gene transport pathways, such as the Wnt / β-catenin pathway, embryonic developments are orchestrated harmoniously with the other physiological functions. Objective: This is an integrative literature review in order to analyze the scientific evidence the participation of the Wnt family in embryonic events. Methodology: An extensive review was performed on the Lilacs, PubMed and SciELO databases with full articles published in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Results and Discussion: Wingless (Wnt) belongs to the group of molecular flags, from a family of genes that act in various embryonic processes. The phenotypes of mutant embryos revealed that these genes act on the morphogenesis of numerous tissues and organs. Wnts are part of a family of signaling proteins and participate in autocrine and paracrine mechanisms, determination of gonads, cancer, glioblastoma, as well as the pathway involved in cellular communication, environmental micro-modulation and immune response. Conclusion: Cellular and molecular events depend on signaling pathways that are controlled by the Wnt family of genes, which participate in prenatal and postnatal embryonic events.