Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an update on the current understanding of the role of wingless/integrase-1 (Wnt) signaling in pediatric allergic asthma and other pediatric lung diseases. RECENT FINDINGS: The Wnt signaling pathway is critical for normal lung development. Genetic and epigenetic human studies indicate a link between Wnt signaling and the development and severity of asthma in children. Mechanistic studies using animal models of allergic asthma demonstrate a key role for Wnt signaling in allergic airway inflammation and remodeling. More recently, data on bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) pathogenesis points to the Wnt signaling pathway as an important regulator. SUMMARY: Current data indicates that the Wnt signaling pathway is an important mediator in allergic asthma and BPD pathogenesis. Further studies are needed to characterize the roles of individual Wnt signals in childhood disease, and to identify potential novel therapeutic targets to slow or prevent disease processes.