TGFbeta and Wnt pathway cross-talk.

Transforming growth factor-betas (TGFbeta) and Wnts represent two distinct families of secreted molecules each of which utilizes different signaling pathways to elicit their biological effects. These factors regulate numerous developmental events and mutations in components of both pathways have been described in human cancers including colorectal carcinomas. Several studies have demonstrated that TGFbeta and Wnt ligands can cooperate to regulate differentiation and cell fate determination by controlling gene expression patterns. In addition, their cooperation in promoting tumorigenesis in mice has been described. Here, we focus on reviewing our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms that may mediate these cooperative effects.