Scientists reveal secrets of the Wnt signaling pathway in Heidelberg!

Scientists reveal secrets of the Wnt signaling pathway in Heidelberg!

On June 4, 2025, an insightful round of discussions took place at Heidelberg University. Journalist Wolfgang Heim discussed with Prof. Dr. Michael Boutros and Dr. Josephine Bageritz on the importance of the Wnt signaling pathway in cell communication. Prof. Boutros, the spokesman for the Collaborative Research Center (SFB) 1324, discussed the central aspects of this fascinating field of research. This CRC is dedicated to the mechanisms and functions of the Wnt signaling pathway, one of the essential signal transduction pathways in biology that is important for numerous developmental processes.

The core topics of the research are the molecular basis and the exchange of messenger substances between cells. Wnt proteins in particular play a central role in embryonic development, growth, stem cell homeostasis and cell differentiation. Prof. Boutros emphasized that disruptions in this signaling network are associated with serious diseases such as cancer. The aim of the research is to deepen our understanding of Wnt signaling pathways in healthy organisms and to explore the consequences of disturbed signal transmission.

Structure and function of the Wnt signaling pathway

The Wnt signaling pathway consists of a complex network of interactions. In inactive cells, the protein beta-catenin is found in a so-called “destruction complex”. This includes important components such as Axin, GSK3B and the tumor suppressor protein APC. In this state, beta-catenin is continuously broken down. However, when Wnt binds to the receptor “Frizzled” and the co-receptor “LRP”, the protein “Dishevelled” is activated. This inhibits the breakdown of beta-catenin, which leads to an accumulation of the protein, which then enters the cell nucleus.

In the nucleus, beta-catenin interacts with transcription factors, leading to the activation of specific genes such as cyclin D1 and MYC. These genes are central regulators of cell proliferation and therefore crucial for growth and development. The importance of the Wnt signaling pathway is also evident in the development of tumors in connection with mutations in the genes involved, such as the APC gene. Mutations in the APC gene are commonly observed in certain types of cancer and contribute to dysregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway and uncontrolled cell division.

The interdisciplinary team and the research results

Scientists from various disciplines work together in the SFB 1324, including cell biology, structural biology, molecular biology, physics, mathematics and medicine. This interdisciplinary approach makes it possible to comprehensively research the complex mechanisms of cell communication. Prof. Boutros, who is also dean of the Heidelberg Medical Faculty, emphasized the relevance of this research for the health of individuals and for the development of therapeutic approaches.

Dr. Josephine Bageritz, research group leader at the Center for Organismal Studies at Heidelberg University and member of the SFB board, added that the “Survival Strategies” series covers various life science topics, ranging from brain tumors to heart and skin diseases to chronic pain. These topics arise from the examination of fundamental questions of signal transmission, which are of central importance in many biological processes.

Film contributions to the discussions and research results are available in the RNF program and on the heiONLINE portal, which reaches a wide audience of interested viewers. Research on the Wnt signaling pathway clearly shows how important the communicative processes between cells are and what potential lies in fundamental biomedical research.