A wide range of biological phenomena – from embryonic development to diseases such as cancer – involve Wnt proteins and their signaling pathways. Our recent book Wnt Signaling contains 24 chapters covering all aspects of Wnt biology, from the molecular mechanisms involved in Wnt signal transduction to the effects of these pathways on normal development and physiology, as well as human disease.

 One chapter describes the history of Wnt research. It was written by Roel Nusse and Harold Varmus, who discovered the first Wnt gene 30 years ago. “Since the identification of the first Wnt gene, research in the Wnt field has taken flight,” write Roel Nusse, Xi He, and Renée van Amerongen, the book’s editors. “Wnt-related investigations continue to reveal fascinating principles of embryonic patterning, cell growth and differentiation, the wiring of the nervous system, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying cancer as well as degenerative disease, stem cell and regenerative biology, and potential therapeutic applications.”

 “It is our hope that this volume serves as a stepping-stone for the reader to guide and encourage further exploration and, perhaps, to open up novel avenues of investigation, particularly applications in the fields of bioengineering, regenerative medicine, and cancer treatment,” they continue. Wnt Signaling will be a fascinating read for cell and developmental biologists, as well as those who are interested in targeting the Wnt pathway for therapeutic purposes. For more information about the book, click here.