Ubiquitin & Wnt: The diverse roles of ubiquitin in canonical Wnt signalling

Abstract

The Wnt signalling pathway plays a major role in both the embryonic development and adult homeostasis of metazoans. Canonical Wnt signalling, which converges on the regulation of β-catenin stability, is involved in processes such as cell proliferation and fate determination. In accordance, imbalances in this pathway have been implicated in a myriad of human diseases. The post-translational modification of proteins with ubiquitin influences both the stability and function of many components of the Wnt signalling pathway. This review will focus on the mechanisms of ubiquitylation, its role in canonical Wnt signalling and finally its involvement in human pathogenesis.