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Fig. 2 | Stem Cell Research & Therapy

Fig. 2

From: Lgr5 in cancer biology: functional identification of Lgr5 in cancer progression and potential opportunities for novel therapy

Fig. 2

Proposed model of the Lgr5-mediated stimulation of cancer growth through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. R-spondin activates Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5). Once activated, Lgr5 protein recruits LRP-frizzled receptor complex, which binds to Wnt ligands, reinforcing Wnt signaling following phosphorylation of LRP5/6. A series of steps ensue, including the accumulation of β-catenin, which is translocated to the nucleus, inducing the expression of various Wnt target genes (such as C-myc, Cyclin D1, Lgr5) after binding together with the TCF/LEF family of transcription factors, which leads to tumor progression through stimulation of cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT), and stemness maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). TCF, T cell-factor; LEF, lymphoid enhancer-binding factor

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Stem Cell Research & Therapy

ISSN: 1757-6512