Targeting Wnt-driven metabolic adaptations in cancer: integrating glycolysis, glutaminolysis, IDO1-mediated immune evasion, and therapeutic delivery strategies

Abstract

The Wnt pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling cascade that regulates a wide range of fundamental cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, polarity, migration, metabolism, and survival. Due to its central regulatory roles, Wnt signaling is critically involved in the pathophysiology of numerous human diseases. Aberrant activation or insufficient inhibition of this pathway has been causally linked to cancer, degenerative disorders, metabolic syndromes, and developmental abnormalities. Wnt signaling drives cancer progression by reprogramming metabolism and promoting immune evasion. Wnt-driven tumors exhibit enhanced aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect), glutaminolysis, and macropinocytosis, which support rapid proliferation and help maintain redox homeostasis under nutrient-limited or nutrient-deprived conditions. These metabolic adaptations sustain tumor survival and contribute to immune suppression, as seen in the Wnt5a-indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) axis, which fosters regulatory T-cell expansion and an immunosuppressive microenvironment. The interplay among glycolysis, glutamine metabolism, and immune escape renders Wnt-driven cancers highly adaptable and resistant to conventional therapies. Targeting metabolic enzymes, such as pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), glutaminase (GLS), and monocarboxylate transporters (MCT-1), alongside immune checkpoint inhibitors or IDO1 blockade, presents a promising strategy for overcoming metabolic plasticity and immune evasion in Wnt-driven malignancies, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy and improving patient survival in otherwise refractory tumor types. Combining glycolysis and glutaminolysis inhibitors with T-cell activating therapies may disrupt tumor metabolic plasticity and restore anti-tumor immunity. Additionally, advanced drug delivery systems, including lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymeric nanocarriers, and exosome-based platforms, enhance the targeted accumulation of metabolic inhibitors and immunomodulatory agents while minimizing systemic toxicity. This review examines the metabolic and immune adaptations of Wnt-driven cancers, with a focus on glycolysis, glutaminolysis, and macropinocytosis. We highlight emerging therapeutic targets and nanomedicine-based delivery strategies to counteract metabolic adaptation and immune suppression. By integrating metabolic and immune-targeting with precision nano-delivery platforms, future treatment paradigms may improve outcomes for aggressive and therapy-resistant Wnt-driven cancers.

Introduction

A significant shift occurs in the metabolic state of cells during cancer progression which involves the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and amino acids (Kimmelman and White, 2017). This metabolic reprogramming enables the tumor to supply itself with the necessary nutrients and energy to drive proliferation, angiogenesis, and overall tumor progression (Martínez-Reyes and Chandel, 2021). One of the key metabolic adaptations in tumor cells is the Warburg effect, also known as aerobic glycolysis, which is characterized by an increased glycolytic index, elevated lactate production, and decreased oxidative phosphorylation, even in the presence of oxygen and fully functional mitochondria (Warburg, 1956). While glycolysis is less efficient in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production than mitochondrial respiration, it facilitates biosynthetic processes essential for tumor progression including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) production, lipid synthesis, and the generation of non-essential amino acids (Vaupel and Multhoff, 2021).

In colorectal cancer (CRC), Wnt signaling is a key driver of tumor progression, with its dysregulation commonly occurring due to Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) mutations that stabilize β-catenin, leading to the constitutive activation of Wnt target genes (Fu et al., 2018; Liu and Yin, 2017). Beyond its role in proliferation and stemness, Wnt signaling has emerged as a central regulator of metabolic reprogramming in cancer cells (Table 1). Activating canonical (β-catenin-dependent) Wnt signaling enhances glycolysis by upregulation of key enzymes such as pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDH-A), monocarboxylate transporters (MCT-1), and glucose transporters (GLUT) (Roche et al., 2001). Inhibition of Wnt signaling, by targeting PDK1 with Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α) or Chibby (a β-catenin antagonist) has been shown to reduce glycolytic activity, leading to impaired tumor growth and altered metabolic dependencies (Pate et al., 2014; Zuo et al., 2021; Cai et al., 2018). However, in addition to glycolysis, Wnt-driven tumors exhibit metabolic plasticity, shifting towards glutaminolysis to sustain biosynthetic needs. Glutaminolysis supports Tricarboxylic Acid (TCA) cycle replenishment, redox balance, and epigenetic modifications that enhance tumor progression (Dang et al., 2010; Seltzer et al., 2010). This dual reliance on glycolysis and glutaminolysis makes Wnt-driven tumors metabolically adapt, allowing them to thrive even under fluctuating nutrient conditions (Park et al., 2023; Vallée et al., 2021).

Beyond conventional nutrient uptake mechanisms, Wnt signaling has been shown to regulate macropinocytosis. This nutrient-scavenging process enables tumor cells to engulf extracellular proteins and break them down into amino acids via lysosomal degradation (Rainero, 2024; Commisso et al., 2013). While glycolysis and glutaminolysis serve as primary metabolic pathways, macropinocytosis acts as an alternative nutrient source under metabolic stress, particularly in hypoxic or glucose-deprived tumor microenvironments (Lambies et al., 2024). Wnt-driven activation of Rac1 and Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 2 (mTORC2) enhances actin cytoskeleton remodeling, promoting macropinocytic uptake (Tsujimura et al., 2016; Esen et al., 2013). This adaptation allows cancer cells to maintain biosynthesis and proliferation even when key metabolic pathways are restricted (Xu et al., 2025). Although macropinocytosis is not a primary metabolic pathway, its activation in Wnt-driven cancers enhances tumor survival under nutrient-poor conditions (Choi et al., 2017). This has led to studies in therapeutically targeting macropinocytosis alongside glycolysis and glutaminolysis to disrupt tumor metabolic flexibility and inhibit cancer progression (Li et al., 2025; Tejeda-Muñoz et al., 2024). Another emerging link between Wnt signaling and immune evasion is the Wnt5a-driven upregulation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) (Sun G. et al., 2021; Holtzhausen et al., 2015; Zhao et al., 2018). IDO1 is an immunosuppressive enzyme that catabolizes tryptophan into kynurenine, leading to T-cell suppression and immune escape (Zhai et al., 2020). Notably, kynurenine-mediated tryptophan depletion also triggers metabolic shifts, reinforcing glutaminolysis and macropinocytosis as compensatory pathways in Wnt-driven tumors. This metabolic-immune interplay enhances tumor progression and resistance to immunotherapy. Targeting IDO1 in combination with metabolic inhibitors offers a promising therapeutic avenue, as IDO1 blockade (using Epacadostat, Navoximod, Indoximod, etc.) may restore anti-tumor immunity while disrupting metabolic adaptation. This highlights the need for integrated therapeutic strategies which simultaneously targets metabolism and immune evasion in Wnt-driven cancers. Furthermore, the Wnt pathway has been shown to be modulated by key metabolic enzymes and intermediates, sometimes as part of a positive feedback loops (Liang et al., 2023; Nath et al., 2015; Lai et al., 2017; Li et al., 2019; Coant et al., 2010; Madsen et al., 2024; Li et al., 2021; Park et al., 2016; Lu et al., 2021; Wang Z. et al., 2024). Its activation or inhibition depends on the metabolic state of the cell, and this regulation influences both normal physiological processes and altered pathological states (Table 2).

Given the metabolic plasticity of Wnt-driven tumors, single-agent metabolic inhibitors often fail to induce durable responses. To address this challenge, nanomedicine offers an opportunity to co-deliver multiple metabolic inhibitors with enhanced selectivity and bioavailability (Liu P. et al., 2022). Liposomes, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymeric nanoparticles, and exosome-based drug carriers have shown potential in tumor-targeted delivery of glycolysis inhibitors (Lactate Dehydrogenase A or LDHA, PDK1) (Wang et al., 2020), glutaminolysis inhibitors (Glutaminase or GLS) (Wang Q. et al., 2024), macropinocytosis inhibitors, and IDO1 blockade agents (Jiang et al., 2024). By exploiting tumor-specific metabolic markers (e.g., Glucose Transporter protein type 1 or GLUT1, macropinocytic vesicles), nanocarriers can improve drug accumulation in the tumor microenvironment while minimizing systemic toxicity (Lo et al., 2022). In this review, we discuss the interplay among Wnt signaling, metabolic reprogramming, and immune evasion in colorectal cancer. These insights open new avenues for multi-pronged therapeutic strategies targeting these converging pathways.

The Wnt signaling pathway is highly conserved across all metazoans and regulates critical processes during embryonic development as well as in adult tissue homeostasis (Holstein et al., 2011; Loh et al., 2016; Adamska et al., 2010; Hobmayer et al., 2000; Holstein, 2012). The Wnt1 gene, originally named Int-1, was first identified in 1982 by Nusse and Varmus as a proto-oncogene (Nusse and Varmus, 1982). Since then, at least 19 Wnt family proteins have been identified in mammals. These proteins are essential for early developmental events, including primary body axis formation (Shi, 2024), morphogenetic movements, and germ layer specification during gastrulation (Bubna-Litic et al., 2024). The importance of Wnt signaling in embryogenesis is underscored by the fact that its disruption leads to severe developmental defects or early embryonic lethality (McMahon and Moon, 1989; Zeng et al., 1997; Zylkiewicz et al., 2014; Haegel et al., 1995; Huelsken et al., 2000; Liu et al., 1999). Beyond development, Wnt signaling is involved in the maintenance and regeneration of multiple adult tissues, including cardiac (Li et al., 2022), hepatic (Zou and Park, 2023), follicular (Fu et al., 2024), pulmonary (Raslan and Yoon, 2020), bone (Leucht et al., 2019), dental (Kornsuthisopon et al., 2022), and intestinal tissues (Cordero and Sansom, 2012). It is also critical for maintaining both stem cell identity and tumorigenic phenotypes (Nusse and Varmus, 2012; Mohammed et al., 2016; Yang et al., 2016). Moreover, Wnt signaling regulates genomic stability (Augustin et al., 2017; Malki et al., 2020; Arnovitz et al., 2022), cell fate and differentiation (Bagchi and MacDougald, 2021; Wang J. et al., 2024), proliferation (Lou et al., 2023; Liu et al., 2023; Gaowa et al., 2024), motility (Guo et al., 2021; VanderVorst et al., 2023; Zhang et al., 2022), as well as cell death pathways such as apoptosis and autophagy (Ma et al., 2023).

The Wnt pathway is initiated by the binding of secreted Wnt ligands—cysteine-rich, glycosylated, and acylated proteins of ∼40 kDa (Tanaka et al., 2002; Liu Y. et al., 2022; Barrott et al., 2011; Biechele et al., 2011; Coombs et al., 2010)—to receptor complexes on the target cell surface. These complexes typically consist of a seven-pass transmembrane Frizzled (FZD) receptor and a co-receptor, Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein (LRP) 5 or 6 (Carmon and Loose, 2010; Dijksterh et al., 2015; Hsieh et al., 1999; Voloshanenko et al., 2017). Additionally, Wnt ligands may bind to alternative receptors such as the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase-like Orphan Receptors ROR1 and ROR2 (Mas et al., 1992; Masiakowski and Yancopoulos, 1998; Xu and Nusse, 1998; Yu et al., 2016). In humans, at least 10 distinct FZD receptors have been characterized (Chae and Bothwell, 2018), all featuring an extracellular N-terminal domain with a conserved cysteine-rich domain (CRD), seven transmembrane domains, and an intracellular C-terminal domain (Zheng and Sheng, 2024; Liu et al., 2024). The CRD (approximately 120 amino acids) serves as a key ligand-binding region for Wnt proteins (Janda et al., 2012).

Ligand-receptor specificity largely depends on the particular FZD involved (Hsieh et al., 1999; Voloshanenko et al., 2017). However, mapping definitive Wnt–FZD interactions remains a challenge due to the presence of 19 Wnt and 10 FZD paralogs in mammals and the observation that individual Wnt ligands can bind multiple FZDs, and vice versa. The LRP5/6 co-receptor facilitates ligand-receptor complex stabilization and appears to contribute to ligand specificity (He et al., 2004). ROR1 and ROR2 are single-pass transmembrane proteins that contain an extracellular immunoglobulin-like domain, a CRD, and a Kringle domain (KRD); in which the CRD is the principal domain mediating Wnt ligand interaction (Mas et al., 1992; Menck et al., 2021; Saldanha et al., 1998).

Wnt signaling is broadly categorized into two branches: the β-catenin-dependent (canonical) pathway and β-catenin-independent (non-canonical) pathway (Figure 1). The non-canonical branch includes the Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) pathway and the Wnt/Ca²⁺ pathway (Hayat et al., 2022; Qin et al., 2023). The canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway is defined by the stabilization and nuclear translocation of β-catenin following Wnt ligand binding (Moon et al., 2004; Rim et al., 2022). In contrast, the PCP pathway governs cellular and tissue polarity along the body axis (Shi, 2022), while the Wnt/Ca²⁺ pathway involves intracellular calcium flux and activation of calcium-sensitive signaling molecules (De, 2011).

FIGURE 1

Although these pathways were initially considered distinct, recent evidence suggests that Wnt signals may activate multiple pathways concurrently and even antagonistically (Thrasivoulou et al., 2013; Tufail and Wu, 2023). Traditionally, Wnt1, Wnt3a, Wnt8, and Wnt8b have been classified as canonical ligands, whereas Wnt4, Wnt5a, and Wnt11 are linked to non-canonical signaling. However, this classification is now viewed as oversimplified, as growing evidence shows that the same Wnt ligand can activate both canonical and non-canonical pathways depending on the context (Flores-Hernández et al., 2020). We explore the interplay among Wnt signaling, metabolic reprogramming, and immune evasion in colorectal cancer, focusing on key metabolic pathways and delivery strategies that may enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway

In the absence of Wnt ligands, the pathway remains inactive due to the continuous activity of the β-catenin destruction complex, which keeps cytoplasmic and nuclear β-catenin levels low (Figure 1A). This multiprotein complex includes the scaffold protein Axin, the tumor suppressor Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC), and the serine/threonine kinases CK1α (Casein Kinase 1 alpha) and Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 beta (GSK3β). β-catenin is sequentially phosphorylated at specific residues (Ser33, Ser37, and Thr41), which marks it for recognition by the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex component β-TrCP. Ubiquitinated β-catenin is then targeted for proteasomal degradation (Hayat et al., 2022). Upon Wnt ligand binding to the FZD-LRP5/6 receptor complex, the intracellular protein Dishevelled (Dvl) is recruited to the membrane and activated. Concurrently, the LRP5/6 co-receptor is phosphorylated. These events lead to the assembly of a receptor-associated “signalosome” that sequesters components of the β-catenin destruction complex, thereby inhibiting GSK3β activity. As a result, β-catenin escapes degradation, accumulates in the cytoplasm, and translocated into the nucleus. In the nucleus, β-catenin binds to T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (TCF/LEF) family transcription factors to activate Wnt target gene expression involved in proliferation, differentiation, and stem cell maintenance (Hayat et al., 2022).

Non-canonical Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway

The PCP pathway represents a β-catenin-independent branch of Wnt signaling that is highly conserved and essential for directing cellular orientation and movement during morphogenesis (Goodrich and Strutt, 2011; Koca et al., 2022). “Planar polarity” refers to the coordinated alignment of cells within the plane of a tissue orthogonal to the apical-basal axis. The PCP pathway is critical in numerous developmental processes such as gastrulation, neural tube closure, and organogenesis (Williams and Solnica-Krezel, 2020; Henders et al., 2018; Matsuda and Sokol, 2021; Shi, 2023). Mutations in PCP genes are associated with developmental disorders including spina bifida (Bosoi et al., 2011), hearing loss (Sun H. et al., 2021), cystic kidney disease (Richards et al., 2019), and limb malformations (Zhu et al., 2023).

PCP signaling modulates cytoskeletal dynamics through downstream effectors including RhoA, Rac1, JNK, and PKC (Figure 1B), influencing cellular morphology and motility (Wallingford, 2012; Adler and Wallingford, 2017). The pathway relies on a group of evolutionarily conserved core PCP proteins: Frizzled (FZD), Dishevelled (Dvl), Celsr, Vangl, Prickle, and Ankrd6 (Strutt and Strutt, 2009). These proteins form asymmetric complexes on opposite sides of a cell, establishing polarity before any visible morphological changes occur. Wnt ligands such as Wnt5a, Wnt5b, and Wnt11 activate PCP signaling by binding to FZD receptors in complex with ROR1/2 or RYK co-receptors (Gao, 2012). Downstream effectors can be broadly classified into two groups: (1) the planar polarity effectors (PPE), including Daam1, small Rho GTPases, and JNK; and (2) the ciliogenesis and planar polarity effectors (CPLANE), such as Intu, Fuz, and Wdpcp, which are less well characterized but contribute to ciliary assembly and polarity (Goodrich and Strutt, 2011; Yang and Mlodzik, 2015).

Non-canonical Wnt/calcium pathway

The Wnt/Ca²⁺ pathway is another β-catenin-independent signaling route that regulates intracellular calcium flux and associated cellular functions (Slusarski et al., 1997; Anastas and Moon, 2013). Upon ligand binding—typically by Wnt5a or Wnt11—G proteins are activated, leading to the stimulation of phospholipase C (PLC). This, in turn, generates inositol trisphosphate (IP₃), which induces the release of calcium from intracellular stores. The resulting calcium surge activates several calcium-dependent effectors, including protein kinase C (PKC) and Ca²⁺/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) (Kühl et al., 2000; Wang et al., 2010), thereby influencing cell migration, polarity, and fate determination (Figure 1C).

A key transcriptional component of the Wnt/Ca²⁺ pathway is the Nuclear Factor of Activated T-cells (NFAT), which is activated via the calcium-dependent phosphatase calcineurin. Upon dephosphorylation, NFAT is translocated to the nucleus where it drives the expression of genes involved in morphogenesis (Farrera-Hernández et al., 2021), mesenchymal-to-epithelial transitions (Dejmek et al., 2006), and immune regulation (Crabtree and Olson, 2002).

Wnt/β-catenin signaling and aerobic glycolysis

Numerous studies support a relationship between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and metabolic reprogramming, particularly aerobic glycolysis. Knockdown assays in lung adenocarcinoma cells have shown that Wnt/β-catenin activation increases c-Myc and PDK1 protein levels, reinforcing its role in enhancing glycolytic flux (Huang et al., 2021). In colon cancer cell lines, overexpression of the mitochondrial glutamate transporter SLC25A18 reduced glucose uptake and downregulated β-catenin, Lactate Dehydrogenase A (LDHA), and Pyruvate Kinase M2 (PKM2), while its deletion had the opposite effect. Notably, the inhibitory effects of SLC25A18 on glucose metabolism, lactate production, ATP generation, and cell proliferation were reversed by the Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) (Liang et al., 2020). Similar observations were seen in bladder cancer, where overexpression of SMAR1 (Scaffold/matrix attachment region binding protein 1) reduced glycolysis by inhibiting GLUT1 and phosphofructokinase (PFK) expression. Treatment with XAV-939 (a Wnt/β-catenin inhibitor) reversed the increase in glycolytic activity following SMAR1 silencing, while treatment with LiCl (a Wnt activator) negated the effects of SMAR1 overexpression (Bao et al., 2023). In gastric cancer cells, PDLIM1 (PDZ and LIM domain protein 1) interacted with HK2 (Hexokinase 2) to drive glycolysis, proliferation, migration, and apoptosis resistance via Wnt/β-catenin signaling, particularly under glucose-deprived conditions (Lei et al., 2024). Additionally, monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT-1), encoded by SLC16A1, was identified as a direct Wnt target gene, and its Wnt response elements (WREs) in the SLC16A1 promoter were sensitive to Wnt inhibition (Sprowl-Tanio et al., 2016). Further supporting Wnt’s role in metabolic control, Wnt inhibitors PRI-724 and IWP-O1 attenuated glucose uptake and lactate production in tongue carcinoma cells while also reducing the expression of Phosphofructokinase, Muscle type (PFKM), PKM2, and LDHA (Kleszcz et al., 2023). Likewise, in colon adenocarcinoma cells, loss of APC increased the expression of PKM2 and LDHA, along with glucose consumption and lactate secretion. Depletion of PKM2 suppressed glycolysis and inhibited xenograft tumor growth in APC-mutant cells (Cha et al., 2021). Beyond APC-driven metabolic shifts, leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4), a receptor in the Wnt pathway, promoted metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by enhancing glycolysis and lactate production. Notably, LGR4 activation by R-spondin ligands enhanced Wnt/β-catenin signaling, driving cancer progression (Bi et al., 2024; Glinka et al., 2011). LGR5, along with its homologs LGR4 and LGR6, belongs to subgroup B of the leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptors (LGRs), a subset of the GPCR superfamily typically associated with hormone signaling (Hsu et al., 2000). While LGR4/5/6 share a high degree of structural similarity, their expression patterns only partially overlap, and functional studies indicate that they have distinct phenotypic effects (Kriz and Korinek, 2018). Although all three receptors are known to modulate Wnt signaling in cooperation with R-spondins, only LGR4 has been conclusively implicated in metabolic regulation via Wnt pathway interactions so far (Zhang et al., 2023). Additionally, c-Myc and cyclin D1, two downstream Wnt targets, further stimulate aerobic glycolysis (Wise et al., 2008). The integration of Wnt signaling with metabolic reprogramming is crucial for cancer progression, particularly through the regulation of glycolytic enzymes such as 3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1), PKM2, and LDHA (Rong et al., 2024; Leung and Lee, 2022). The Warburg effect, driven by Wnt signaling, not only enhances energy production but also generates biosynthetic intermediates essential for tumor growth and survival (Figure 2). This metabolic reprogramming is closely associated with the stepwise progression from normal intestinal epithelium to carcinoma and metastasis, as shown in Figure 3. Loss of APC or activation of β-catenin initiates adenoma formation, followed by mutations in KRAS and TP53, and an increase in chromosomal instability, which collectively drive the transition from adenoma to carcinoma. Additional mutations and chromosomal alterations facilitate the metastasis process. Therapeutically targeting Wnt-driven metabolic enzymes thus offers a compelling strategy for malignancies dependent on metabolic reprogramming.

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3

Non-canonical Wnt pathway and metabolic regulation

β-catenin-independent (non-canonical) Wnt signaling also plays a key role in energy metabolism regulation (Figure 4). Although Wnt3a is classically characterized as a canonical Wnt ligand that primarily activates the β-catenin–dependent signaling cascade, emerging evidence suggests that, in certain cellular contexts, Wnt3a can also trigger non-canonical signaling responses. Studies have shown that Wnt3a increases aerobic glycolysis by upregulating key glycolytic enzymes. Interestingly, this metabolic regulation requires LRP5 but not β-catenin and instead relies on mTORC2-AKT (also known as Protein Kinase B or PKB) signaling downstream of RAC1 (19). In another assay, Wnt3a-induced EGFR-PI3K/AKT transactivation stabilized phosphofructokinase P (PFKP) via S386 phosphorylation, leading to increased PFKP expression, enhanced glycolysis, as well as cell proliferation and migration, all independent of β-catenin (Jeon et al., 2021). The Wnt pathway also interacts with multiple signaling cascades, including PI3K/Akt, STAT3, and c-Myc-driven transactivation of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) (Shih and Mei, 2021). HIF-1α activation promotes aerobic glycolysis, lactate production, and tumor progression, even in normoxic conditions (El-Sahli et al., 2019). Elevated lactate production due to HIF-1α and c-Myc upregulation increases PDK1 and LDHA expression, which enhances glycolytic flux (Liao, 2017). HIF-1α-induced PDK1 expression inhibits the PDH complex, preventing pyruvate entry into the mitochondrial TCA cycle and increasing lactate release. This metabolic shift drives tumor microenvironment remodeling (Gatenby et al., 2006), enhances cell migration (Baumann et al., 2009; Seliger et al., 2013), suppresses the immune response (Fischer et al., 2007; Gottfried et al., 2006), and promotes anti-apoptotic signaling (Kondoh et al., 2005). Additionally, c-Myc and PI3K/Akt-mediated activation of HIF-1α inhibits glucose oxidation via PDK1 and hexokinase 2 (HK2) (Kim et al., 2007; Lum et al., 2007). Thus, non-canonical Wnt signaling not only regulates glycolysis but also modulates key oncogenic pathways such as PI3K/Akt-HIF-1α, shaping the metabolic landscape of cancer cells. These mechanisms underscore new therapeutic targets in metabolic reprogramming, which could complement canonical Wnt inhibition strategies.

FIGURE 4

Glutaminolysis and additional metabolic interactions

In cancer cells, pyruvate produced during glycolysis is converted into lactate instead of being utilized in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Although mitochondrial ATP dependency decreases in tumor cells, the demand for biosynthetic precursors and NADPH remains unchanged (Frezza and Gottlieb, 2009). To compensate for these changes and maintain the TCA pathway’s functionality, cancer cells often rely on increased glutaminolysis (Wise and Thompson, 2010; Medina, 2001; Reitzer et al., 1979; Lu et al., 2010). Glutaminolysis is an anaplerotic pathway involving the deamination of glutamine, converting it into glutamate and subsequently into alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG) by glutaminase (GLS), GDH, and other enzymes. This process enables ATP production through the TCA cycle and provides nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon atoms needed for the synthesis of biosynthetic precursors essential for cancer cell growth and proliferation (Wise and Thompson, 2010; Medina, 2001; Reitzer et al., 1979; Lu et al., 2010). The relationship between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and glutaminolysis remains partially understood; however, emerging evidence highlights key interactions between these two processes. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), overexpression of glutamine synthase (GS) correlates with Wnt/β-catenin activation, indicating a link between glutamine metabolism and tumor progression (Wong et al., 2020). In KRAS-mutated colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, SLC25A22-mediated glutamate transport promotes succinate accumulation, which in turn activates the Wnt pathway, induces DNA methylation, and upregulates LGR5. These effects drive stem cell-like properties, proliferation, and chemotherapy resistance (Cadoret et al., 2002). Additionally, inflammatory responses further integrate glutaminolysis with the Wnt signaling pathway. Pulmonary endothelial cells release R-spondin3, a β-catenin activator, which enhances mitochondrial respiration via glutaminolysis. This produces α-ketoglutarate, which modifies DNA hydroxymethylation via TET2 (Ten-Eleven Translocation-2), linking Wnt activity to epigenetic regulation (Zhou et al., 2020). In gastric cancer (GC) cells, circHECTD1 regulates glutaminolysis via the miR-1256/USP5 axis, activating the β-catenin/c-Myc pathway and promoting tumor progression (Cai et al., 2019). Similarly, niclosamide, a Wnt inhibitor, reduces liver fibrosis and metabolic reprogramming, highlighting potential therapeutic applications (El-Ashmawy et al., 2020). These findings underscore the intertwined relationship between glutaminolysis, epigenetic remodeling, and Wnt signaling in cancer progression and therapy resistance. Targeting Wnt-glutaminolysis interactions may offer novel strategies for disrupting tumor metabolism and enhancing therapeutic efficacy.

Wnt signaling and macropinocytosis as an adaptive metabolic strategy

Macropinocytosis is a form of endocytosis characterized by the non-selective internalization of extracellular fluid into large vesicles known as macropinosomes (Mercer and Helenius, 2009; Bloomfield and Kay, 2016). These vesicles are typically 0.2–10 μm in diameter—significantly larger than those formed by other endocytic pathways—which enables the uptake of solutes and nutrients that cannot be internalized through more selective mechanisms such as clathrin-mediated endocytosis (Welliver et al., 2011). Once formed, macropinosomes traffic through the endocytic system, where their contents are degraded, and the resulting metabolites are absorbed by the cell (Buckley and King, 2017). The process is driven by actin cytoskeletal remodeling and the formation of membrane ruffles that fold back onto the plasma membrane to engulf extracellular fluid (Welliver et al., 2011; Hoon et al., 2012; Bernitt et al., 2015; Valdivia et al., 2017). Unlike receptor-mediated endocytosis, macropinocytosis is a non-selective process that is typically activated by extracellular signals. It plays critical roles in cellular nutrient acquisition (Amyere et al., 2002), immune surveillance and antigen presentation (Sallusto et al., 1995; Bondy-Denomy et al., 2013; Liu and Roche, 2015; Canton, 2018), microbial pathogenesis (Lee C. H. R. et al., 2019; Lee J. H. et al., 2019), and tumor biology (Figure 5).

FIGURE 5

First described nearly a century ago (Edwards, 1925; Lewis, 1931), macropinocytosis has since been observed across a wide range of organisms, from amoebae to mammals, suggesting an evolutionarily ancient origin (Guha et al., 2003; Fares and Greenwald, 2001; Ganot et al., 2020). In cancer, macropinocytosis contributes to tumor cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis, particularly under stressful conditions such as hypoxia or nutrient deprivation (Commisso et al., 2013; Kamphorst et al., 2015). Its activation is commonly driven by oncogenic mutations in genes such as KRAS, components of the PI3K/AKT pathway, and Rho-family GTPases (Overmeyer et al., 2008; Palm et al., 2015; Kim et al., 2018). Furthermore, aberrant activation of signaling pathways including Wnt (Redelman-Sidi et al., 2018; Albrecht et al., 2020), Hippo (King et al., 2020), and the energy sensor AMPK (Kim et al., 2018) can also induce macropinocytosis in specific cancer contexts. Importantly, this process has been implicated in mechanisms of therapeutic resistance, highlighting its relevance in cancer progression and treatment response (Qian et al., 2014). The convergence of Wnt signaling, macropinocytosis, and metabolic reprogramming is a key adaptive strategy in cancer, allowing tumor cells to thrive under nutrient-limited conditions. Although canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling is primarily recognized for its role in tumor progression, recent studies reveal its involvement in controlling macropinocytosis, a vital mechanism for sustaining cellular growth. (Tejeda-Muñoz et al., 2019). Macropinocytosis enables tumor cells to engulf extracellular proteins, which are subsequently degraded in lysosomes to provide amino acids and metabolic intermediates, thereby supporting biosynthetic processes, proliferation, and redox homeostasis (Tejeda-Muñoz et al., 2019; Tejeda-Muñoz and Mei, 2024). This pathway is particularly critical in hypoxic and nutrient-deprived tumor regions, where conventional nutrient uptake mechanisms are insufficient to meet the metabolic demands of rapidly proliferating cancer cells (Amyere et al., 2002; Tejeda-Muñoz et al., 2019; Tejeda-Muñoz and Mei, 2024). Recent findings suggest that Wnt signaling enhances macropinocytosis through actin cytoskeleton remodeling, facilitating extracellular protein uptake and metabolic adaptation (Figure 5). By utilizing macropinocytosis, tumor cells maintain metabolic flexibility, allowing them to sustain biosynthesis even under nutrient limitations (Tejeda-Muñoz and Robertis, 2022). Additionally, macropinocytosis buffers oxidative stress by providing amino acids essential for redox homeostasis and modulates the tumor immune response, enabling immune evasion (Shen et al., 2018). Wnt-driven macropinocytosis also interacts with lysosomal function, promoting focal adhesion dynamics that enhance tumor cell motility and invasion (Tejeda-Muñoz and Robertis, 2022). Focal adhesions, which link the actin cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix (ECM), are dynamically regulated during cancer cell migration and metastasis (Shen et al., 2018). Wnt activation, through both canonical and non-canonical pathways, facilitates ECM remodeling, reinforcing the invasive potential of cancer cells (Penny et al., 2023; Pham et al., 2022).

Macropinocytosis is intricately linked to Wnt-regulated metabolic pathways, including the Warburg effect and glutaminolysis, which enable tumors to maintain high proliferative rates even in hypoxia (Tejeda-Muñoz and Robertis, 2022). The Warburg effect provides ATP through glycolysis, while glutaminolysis supplies TCA cycle intermediates and biosynthetic precursors. Recent studies demonstrate that macropinocytosis and glutaminolysis are co-regulated by Wnt signaling. Specifically, Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates the expression of glutamine transporters and enzymes, such as glutaminase (GLS), which catalyzes the conversion of glutamine to glutamate (Shen et al., 2021). This highlights the role of Wnt signaling in orchestrating multiple metabolic pathways to support tumor growth.

Beyond canonical Wnt signaling, non-canonical Wnt pathways also contribute to macropinocytosis regulation. Components such as Rac1 and mTORC2 integrate non-canonical Wnt signaling with metabolic adaptation (Tejeda-Muñoz and Mei, 2024). Rac1, a small GTPase, is essential for actin cytoskeleton remodeling and macropinosome formation, facilitating nutrient scavenging in tumor cells (Buckley et al., 2020). mTORC2, a key metabolic regulator, is activated downstream of non-canonical Wnt signaling (Fu et al., 2021) and influences glycolysis, Warburg metabolism, and protein translation (Esen et al., 2013). This crosstalk between Wnt signaling, Rac1, and mTORC2 underscores the metabolic adaptability of cancer cells, where both canonical and non-canonical pathways converge to drive tumor survival.

Targeting Wnt signaling to disrupt macropinocytosis presents a promising therapeutic approach, as it could restrict nutrient availability, impair metabolic flexibility, and inhibit tumor growth. Wnt inhibitors such as PRI-724, which have been investigated for anti-tumor activity, show potential for modulating metabolic pathways and impairing macropinocytosis (Tejeda-Muñoz et al., 2019; Tejeda-Muñoz and Mei, 2024). Cancers with APC mutations or aberrant Wnt signaling may be particularly sensitive to therapies targeting macropinocytosis and associated metabolic rewiring. Additionally, combining Wnt inhibitors with ECM-targeting agents or immune checkpoint inhibitors may enhance therapeutic efficacy by simultaneously disrupting tumor metabolism and the tumor microenvironment. Given that macropinocytosis supports both metabolic adaptation and immune evasion, dual inhibition strategies could provide long-term benefits by overcoming resistance mechanisms.

Wnt5a-IDO1 axis: linking metabolic reprogramming and immune evasion

Wnt signaling not only regulates metabolic reprogramming but also plays a crucial role in modulating immune evasion (Malladi et al., 2016; Katoh and Katoh, 2022). An emerging link between Wnt signaling and immune suppression is the Wnt5a-driven upregulation of IDO1, an immunoregulatory enzyme that depletes tryptophan and generates immunosuppressive kynurenine metabolites (Holtzhausen et al., 2015). IDO1 activity is known to promote immune tolerance within the tumor microenvironment, enabling evasion of T-cell-mediated surveillance and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade therapy (Zhao et al., 2018). Recent studies have shown that Wnt5a, a non-canonical Wnt ligand, activates the IDO1 pathway, thereby reinforcing immune suppression while sustaining metabolic adaptations that support tumor survival and proliferation (Holtzhausen et al., 2015; Zhao et al., 2018; DeVito et al., 2021). This shift promotes the expansion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) while suppressing the activation of effector T cells (Thaker et al., 2013). In colorectal cancer, aberrant Wnt5a signaling correlates with elevated IDO1 expression and reduced infiltration of cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cells, indicating a more immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (Thaker et al., 2013). Moreover, tryptophan deprivation or depletion further exacerbates metabolic stress within the tumor microenvironment, reinforcing pathways such as glutaminolysis and macropinocytosis as compensatory mechanisms for nutrient acquisition (Thaker et al., 2013). This metabolic-immune crosstalk highlights how Wnt5a-driven IDO1 activity facilitates immune escape and sustains metabolic plasticity, thereby supporting tumor progression.

The metabolic effects of IDO1 extend beyond immune evasion, influencing key nutrient utilization pathways that sustain tumor cell survival. IDO1-induced tryptophan deprivation/depletion alters amino acid metabolism, shifting cellular dependence toward glutaminolysis as a compensatory energy source (Odunsi et al., 2022). This adaptation is particularly evident in Wnt-driven tumors, where IDO1 activation leads to the upregulation of glutamine transporters (SLC1A5, SLC7A5) and glutaminase (GLS1), enhancing glutamine metabolism to compensate for the lack of tryptophan-derived intermediates (Yoo and Han, 2022). In addition to glutaminolysis, IDO1 activity influences lipid metabolism and mitochondrial function. Studies suggest that kynurenine accumulation promotes oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and fatty acid oxidation (FAO), favoring metabolism pathways that are less dependent on glucose (Zhao et al., 2018). This metabolic plasticity enables tumors to thrive in nutrient-deprived and hypoxic microenvironments, further reinforcing the survival advantage of Wnt5a-IDO1 signaling. The immunosuppressive effects of Wnt5a-IDO1 signaling pose significant challenges for immunotherapy, particularly in tumors resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting Programmed Cell Death Protein 1 (PD-1), Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1), and Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte-Associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) (Liu et al., 2021). IDO1-mediated kynurenine accumulation has been shown to suppress dendritic cell maturation and impair antigen presentation, leading to reduced activation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) (Jochems et al., 2016). Furthermore, Wnt5a signaling promotes the expression of PD-L1 on tumor cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), reinforcing an immunosuppressive microenvironment that dampens anti-tumor immunity (Douglass et al., 2021). Clinical studies indicate that tumors with high Wnt5a and IDO1 expression exhibit poor responses to immune checkpoint blockade, suggesting that the Wnt5a-IDO1 axis serves as a mechanism of primary or acquired resistance to immunotherapy. Targeting this pathway alongside ICIs could enhance therapeutic efficacy by restoring anti-tumor immunity and reversing metabolic adaptations that fuel tumor progression (Holtzhausen et al., 2015; DeVito et al., 2021; Theivanthiran et al., 2020). Given the dual role of Wnt5a-IDO1 signaling in immune evasion and metabolic adaptation, therapeutic strategies targeting this axis hold promise for overcoming resistance to immunotherapy and metabolic inhibitors. Pharmacological IDO1 inhibitors such as Epacadostat, Navoximod, and Indoximod have shown potential in reversing kynurenine-mediated immune suppression (Prendergast et al., 2017). However, results from clinical trials, such as ECHO-301, demonstrate that IDO1 inhibition alone or in combination with anti-PD1 is insufficient in highly immunosuppressive tumors (Muller et al., 2019; Chen et al., 2021; Smith et al., 2020). These outcomes underscore the need to explore new combination strategies for IDO1 inhibition. Wnt5a signaling can be targeted using small-molecule Wnt inhibitors (e.g., ETC-159, C59) or monoclonal antibodies blocking Wnt5a-Fzd interactions (Chua et al., 2023; Motono et al., 2016). These inhibitors may not only suppress IDO1 expression but also disrupt Wnt5a-driven metabolic adaptations, thereby sensitizing tumors to immunotherapy and metabolic-modulating therapeutics.

Advanced therapeutic delivery strategies for immuno-metabolic reprogramming in Wnt-driven cancers

The intricate interplay among Wnt signaling, metabolic plasticity, and immune evasion in tumors presents a significant challenge for conventional therapies. Wnt-driven cancers exploit aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect), glutaminolysis, and macropinocytosis to sustain their biosynthetic needs, ensuring tumor survival in nutrient-deprived conditions while evading immune surveillance. Given these complexities, therapeutic delivery strategies must integrate metabolic and immunomodulatory interventions to reprogram the tumor microenvironment and improve treatment efficacy. Advances in nanomedicine, biomaterials, and engineered drug delivery platforms offer new opportunities to co-target metabolic and immune pathways, addressing tumor resistance mechanisms at multiple levels. One promising approach involves co-delivering small-molecule or nucleic acid-based metabolic inhibitors alongside immune-modulating agents using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) (Wei et al., 2024; Nel et al., 2022), polymeric nanocarriers (Dubey et al., 2017; Mei et al., 2016), and liposomes (Shah et al., 2020; Etter et al., 2021). These nanocarriers can be further functionalized to be immune-stimulatory or immune cell-targeted (Miao et al., 2019; Mei et al., 2023; Mei et al., 2024).

Several metabolic enzymes and pathways have emerged as therapeutic vulnerabilities in Wnt-driven tumors, including lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1 (PDK1), monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs), glutaminase (GLS), and key regulators of macropinocytosis. Given prior evidence that glycolysis inhibition impairs tumor growth and that IDO1 blockade restores anti-tumor immunity, combining these strategies presents a promising but underexplored approach. LNPs delivering siRNA against IDO1 (Endo et al., 2019), or liposomes delivering IDO1 inhibitors (Mei et al., 2020), combined with glycolytic inhibitors such as LDHA or PDK1 inhibitors (Cheng et al., 2024; Lucero-Acuña et al., 2014) may synergistically disrupt tumor metabolic plasticity while reducing immune suppression. Similarly, nanocarriers loaded with glutaminase (GLS) inhibitors, like CB-839 liposomes, could block glutaminolysis, a critical compensatory pathway in highly glycolytic Wnt-driven tumors (Ni et al., 2023; Shen et al., 2024). Since glutamine metabolism supports nucleotide biosynthesis and redox balance, dual nanoparticle-based inhibition of IDO1 and glutaminolysis may prevent tumors from escaping metabolic stress, thereby enhancing anti-tumor efficacy. Beyond targeting glycolysis and glutaminolysis, macropinocytosis inhibition presents an emerging therapeutic strategy in Wnt-driven tumors that rely on nutrient scavenging (Figure 6). Small molecule macropinocytosis inhibitors, such as EIPA (5-(N-Ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride) and Rac1/mTORC2 inhibitors, impair the internalization and lysosomal degradation of extracellular proteins, effectively starving tumors that rely on this process (Son et al., 2023). Targeted delivery of macropinocytosis inhibitors in combination with metabolic disruptors could limit both exogenous nutrient uptake and internal metabolic pathways, cutting off key survival mechanisms for tumors. Interestingly, macropinocytosis can also be leveraged as a drug delivery mechanism to enhance therapeutic uptake into tumor cells. Since Wnt-driven tumors exhibit high macropinocytic activity, nanoparticles engineered to mimic extracellular proteins, also known as protein corona (Mei et al., 2018; Li et al., 2024; Mei et al., 2021), or nutrients could facilitate preferential uptake by tumor cells, thereby improving drug bioavailability and selectivity. Albumin-coated nanoparticles could exploit tumor macropinocytosis (Cullis et al., 2017), while PEGylated nanoparticles may evade immune clearance while still being efficiently endocytosed by macropinocytic vesicles (Guo et al., 2023). Charge-modified polymeric nanoparticles can further enhance intracellular retention following micropinocytosis (Means et al., 2022). By hijacking macropinocytosis for selective drug delivery (Jiang et al., 2023; Hyun et al., 2018), nanoparticle formulations could achieve wider tumor accumulation, improve intracellular drug bioavailability, and reduce systemic toxicity. This approach is particularly advantageous for delivering metabolic inhibitors (e.g., LDHA, GLS, or IDO1 blockers) that require efficient cytosolic access to exert their effects.

FIGURE 6

In addition to nanoparticle-based systems, biomaterial scaffolds and hydrogels offer localized metabolic reprogramming within tumors. Biodegradable hydrogels embedded with IDO1 inhibitors (Zhuang et al., 2023), kynureninase (Wang et al., 2022a), Wnt or GSK-3β antagonists (Wang et al., 2022b), glycolytic inhibitors (LDHA, PDK1) (Meng et al., 2022), and glutaminolysis inhibitors (GLS) (Guo et al., 2025) could provide sustained drug release which gradually alters the tumor microenvironment and preventing metabolic adaptation over time. Stimulus-responsive biomaterials, such as pH- or redox-sensitive hydrogels, can ensure that drug release occurs only in metabolically active, highly glycolytic tumor environments, thereby minimizing off-target effects while maximizing therapeutic efficacy. Another promising approach is exosome-based drug delivery, which offers tumor-specific targeting while minimizing immune clearance. Engineered exosomes can be loaded with siRNA (Amiri et al., 2022), miRNA (Mathiyalagan and Sahoo, 2017), metabolic inhibitors, or Wnt-targeting molecules (e.g., PRR7, 14-3-3ζ) (Lee et al., 2018; Zhang et al., 2016), allowing for precise targeting of Wnt-driven tumors. Unlike synthetic nanoparticles, exosomes have natural biocompatibility and immune-modulating properties, making them attractive candidates for disrupting both metabolic plasticity and immune suppression.

Given the metabolic adaptability of Wnt-driven tumors, single-agent metabolic inhibitors are unlikely to yield durable responses. The integration of nanomedicine, biomaterials, and exosome-based drug delivery presents a promising avenue for multi-targeted tumor reprogramming. Future research should focus on optimizing nanoparticle design, engineering exosomes for metabolic inhibition, and refining biomaterial-based delivery platforms to enhance drug selectivity, reduce systemic toxicity, and improve tumor-specific accumulation. Additionally, identifying metabolic biomarkers that predict treatment response could facilitate precision-targeted therapies that consider both tumor metabolism and immune modulation. With continued advancements in precision medicine, the integration of immuno-metabolic reprogramming with cutting-edge drug delivery may pave the way for more effective, durable, and personalized cancer therapies.

Conclusion and future perspectives

Wnt-driven cancers exhibit metabolic plasticity that enables their survival in nutrient-deprived conditions while evading immune surveillance. These tumors rely on aerobic glycolysis (the Warburg effect), glutaminolysis, and macropinocytosis to meet their biosynthetic demands and energy requirements. Key metabolic targets include LDHA, PDK1, HK2, GLUT1, and MCT1, which regulate glycolysis and lactate metabolism; GLS, SLC1A5, and SLC7A5, which drive glutaminolysis and glutamine-dependent biosynthesis; as well as Rac1 and mTORC2, which enhance macropinocytosis and extracellular protein scavenging. Additionally, the Wnt5a-IDO1 axis promotes immune evasion by upregulating tryptophan catabolism through IDO1, resulting in kynurenine accumulation and T-cell suppression. Given the compensatory nature of these metabolic pathways, single-agent therapies often fail due to metabolic rewiring. A multi-pronged therapeutic strategy that simultaneously targets glycolysis, glutaminolysis, macropinocytosis, and immune escape mechanisms may be necessary to achieve durable anti-tumor effects. Several metabolic inhibitors have shown promise in preclinical and early-phase clinical studies. Glycolysis inhibitors such as LDHA inhibitors (FX11), PDK1 inhibitors (DCA, AZD7545), and HK2 inhibitors (3-BrPA) have demonstrated efficacy in limiting glucose metabolism and reducing tumor growth. Glutaminolysis inhibitors, including GLS1 inhibitors (CB-839/Telaglenastat, BPTES, DON derivatives), have been investigated for their ability to impair glutamine-dependent tumor metabolism. Macropinocytosis inhibitors such as EIPA (5-(N-Ethyl-N-isopropyl)amiloride), Rac1 inhibitors (EHT 1864), and mTORC2 inhibitors (PP242, Torin2) present novel approaches to starve tumor cells by blocking their nutrient scavenging mechanisms. Given the immunosuppressive role of IDO1, IDO1 inhibitors (Epacadostat, Navoximod, Indoximod) are being explored in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) such as anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 therapies to enhance T-cell activation and improve immune responses in Wnt-driven cancers. Advanced therapeutic delivery platforms offer a promising approach to co-delivering metabolic inhibitors and immunotherapies, improving tumor specificity while minimizing systemic toxicity. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), polymeric nanocarriers, and exosomes enable the precise delivery of siRNA-based therapies targeting IDO1, PDK1, GLS, or regulators of macropinocytosis. Albumin-coated nanoparticles and PEGylated liposomes can exploit macropinocytosis as a selective uptake mechanism, enhancing drug accumulation in tumors with high macropinocytic activity. Additionally, biomaterial-based hydrogels and tumor-responsive scaffolds offer localized and sustained drug release, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. Future research could focus on optimizing drug combinations, refining nanocarrier engineering, and identifying metabolic biomarkers to guide the development of precision-targeted therapies. Given the complex interplay between metabolism and immune evasion, combining metabolic inhibitors with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), IDO1 inhibitors, or Wnt antagonists may yield synergistic therapeutic effects. Stimuli-responsive biomaterials, such as pH- or redox-sensitive hydrogels, could enable tumor-specific drug activation, further enhancing selectivity and minimizing toxicity. Ultimately, integrating metabolic targeting, immune modulation, and advanced drug delivery technologies may pave the way for more effective, durable, and personalized treatment strategies for Wnt-driven cancers. By leveraging these innovations, it may be possible to overcome metabolic adaptability, restore anti-tumor immunity, and improve clinical outcomes in aggressive and therapy-resistant malignancies.

References

• 1

  Adamska M. Larroux C. Adamski M. Green K. Lovas E. Koop D. et al (2010). Structure and expression of conserved Wnt pathway components in the demosponge Amphimedon queenslandica: Wnt pathway components in Amphimedon queenslandica. Evol. Dev.12 (5), 494–518. 10.1111/j.1525-142X.2010.00435.x

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 2

  Adler P. N. Wallingford J. B. (2017). From planar cell polarity to ciliogenesis and back: the curious tale of the PPE and CPLANE proteins. Trends Cell Biol.27, 379–390. 10.1016/j.tcb.2016.12.001

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 3

  Albrecht L. V. Tejeda-Muñoz N. Bui M. H. Cicchetto A. C. Di Biagio D. Colozza G. et al (2020). GSK3 inhibits macropinocytosis and lysosomal activity through the Wnt destruction complex machinery. Cell Rep.32 (4), 107973. 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107973

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 4

  Amiri A. Bagherifar R. Ansari Dezfouli E. Kiaie S. H. Jafari R. Ramezani R. (2022). Exosomes as bio-inspired nanocarriers for RNA delivery: preparation and applications. J. Transl. Med.20 (1), 125. 10.1186/s12967-022-03325-7

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 5

  Amyere M. Mettlen M. Van Der Smissen P. Platek A. Payrastre B. Veithen A. et al (2002). Origin, originality, functions, subversions and molecular signalling of macropinocytosis. Int. J. Med. Microbiol.291 (6-7), 487–494. 10.1078/1438-4221-00157

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 6

  Anastas J. N. Moon R. T. (2013). WNT signalling pathways as therapeutic targets in cancer. Nat. Rev. Cancer13, 11–26. 10.1038/nrc3419

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 7

  Arnovitz S. Mathur P. Tracy M. Mohsin A. Mondal S. Quandt J. et al (2022). Tcf-1 promotes genomic instability and T cell transformation in response to aberrant β-catenin activation. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A.119 (32), e2201493119. 10.1073/pnas.2201493119

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 8

  Augustin I. Dewi D. L. Hundshammer J. Erdmann G. Kerr G. Boutros M. (2017). Autocrine Wnt regulates the survival and genomic stability of embryonic stem cells. Sci. Signal10 (461), eaah6829. 10.1126/scisignal.aah6829

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 9

  Azbazdar Y. Tejeda-Munoz N. Monka J. C. Dayrit A. Binder G. Ozhan G. et al (2023). Addition of exogenous diacylglycerol enhances Wnt/β-catenin signaling through stimulation of macropinocytosis. iScience26, 108075. 10.1016/j.isci.2023.108075

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 10

  Azbazdar Y. Sosa E. A. Monka J. Kurmangaliyev Y. Z. Tejeda-Muñoz N. (2024). Interactions between genistein and Wnt pathway in colon adenocarcinoma and early embryos. Heliyon10 (11), e32243. 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32243

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 11

  Bagchi D. P. MacDougald O. A. (2021). Wnt signaling: from mesenchymal cell fate to lipogenesis and other mature adipocyte functions. Diabetes70 (7), 1419–1430. 10.2337/dbi20-0015

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 12

  Bao P. Li P. Zhou X. Zhang H. You S. Xu Z. et al (2023). SMAR1 inhibits proliferation, EMT and Warburg effect of bladder cancer cells by suppressing the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Cell Cycle22 (2), 229–241. 10.1080/15384101.2022.2112006

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 13

  Barrott J. J. Cash G. M. Smith A. P. Barrow J. R. Murtaugh L. C. (2011). Deletion of mouse Porcn blocks Wnt ligand secretion and reveals an ectodermal etiology of human focal dermal hypoplasia/goltz syndrome. PNAS108 (31), 12752–12757. 10.1073/pnas.1006437108

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 14

  Baumann F. Leukel P. Doerfelt A. Beier C. P. Dettmer K. Oefner P. J. et al (2009). Lactate promotes glioma migration by TGF-Beta2-dependent regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-2. Neuro-Oncology11 (4), 368–380. 10.1215/15228517-2008-106

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 15

  Bernitt E. Koh C. G. Gov N. Dobereiner H. G. (2015). Dynamics of actin waves on patterned substrates: a quantitative analysis of circular dorsal ruffles. PLoS One10 (1), e0115857. 10.1371/journal.pone.0115857

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 16

  Bi Y. Zhang L. Song Y. Sun L. Mulholland M. W. Yin Y. et al (2024). Rspo2-LGR4 exacerbates hepatocellular carcinoma progression via activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Gastroenterol. Hepatol.47 (4), 352–365. 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2023.05.016

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 17

  Biechele S. Cox B. J. Rossant J. (2011). Porcupine homolog is required for canonical Wnt signaling and gastrulation in mouse embryos. Dev. Biol.355 (2), 275–285. 10.1016/j.ydbio.2011.04.029

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 18

  Bloomfield G. Kay R. R. (2016). Uses and abuses of macropinocytosis. J. Cell Sci.129 (14), 2697–2705. 10.1242/jcs.176149

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 19

  Bondy-Denomy J. Pawluk A. Maxwell K. L. Davidson A. R. (2013). Bacteriophage genes that inactivate the CRISPR/Cas bacterial immune system. Nature493 (7432), 429–432. 10.1038/nature11723

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 20

  Bosoi C. M. Capra V. Allache R. Trinh V. Q. De Marco P. Merello E. et al (2011). Identification and characterization of novel rare mutations in the planar cell polarity gene PRICKLE1 in human neural tube defects. Hum. Mutat.32, 1371–1375. 10.1002/humu.21589

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 21

  Bubna-Litic M. Charras G. Mayor R. (2024). Tissue mechanics modulate morphogen signalling to induce the head organiser. Cells Dev.2, 203984. 10.1016/j.cdev.2024.203984

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 22

  Buckley C. M. King J. S. (2017). Drinking problems: mechanisms of macropinosome formation and maturation. FEBS J.284 (22), 3778–3790. 10.1111/febs.14115

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 23

  Buckley C. M. Pots H. Gueho A. Vines J. H. Munn C. J. Phillips B. A. et al (2020). Coordinated ras and rac activity shapes macropinocytic cups and enables phagocytosis of geometrically diverse bacteria. Curr. Biol.30 (15), 2912–2926. 10.1016/j.cub.2020.05.049

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 24

  Cadoret A. Ovejero C. Terris B. Souil E. Lévy L. Lamers W. H. et al (2002). New targets of beta-catenin signaling in the liver are involved in the glutamine metabolism. Oncogene21 (54), 8293–8301. 10.1038/sj.onc.1206118

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 25

  Cai C. F. Ye G. D. Shen D. Y. Zhang W. Chen M. L. Chen X. X. et al (2018). Chibby suppresses aerobic glycolysis and proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma via the Wnt/β-catenin-Lin28/let7-PDK1 cascade. J. Exp. Clin. Cancer Res.37 (1), 104. 10.1186/s13046-018-0769-4

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 26

  Cai J. Chen Z. Wang J. Wang J. Chen X. Liang L. et al (2019). circHECTD1 facilitates glutaminolysis to promote gastric cancer progression by targeting miR-1256 and activating β-catenin/c-Myc signaling. Cell Death Dis.10 (8), 576. 10.1038/s41419-019-1814-8

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 27

  Canton J. (2018). Macropinocytosis: new insights into its underappreciated role in innate immune cell surveillance. Front. Immunol.9, 2286. 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02286

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 28

  Carmon K. S. Loose D. S. (2010). Development of a bioassay for detection of Wnt-binding affinities for individual frizzled receptors. Anal. Biochem.401 (2), 288–294. 10.1016/j.ab.2010.03.009

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 29

  Cha P. H. Hwang J. H. Kwak D. K. Koh E. Kim K. S. Choi K. Y. (2021). APC loss induces Warburg effect via increased PKM2 transcription in colorectal cancer. Br. J. Cancer.124 (3), 634–644. 10.1038/s41416-020-01118-7

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 30

  Chae W. J. Bothwell A. L. M. (2018). Canonical and non-canonical wnt signaling in immune cells. Trends Immunol.39 (10), 830–847. 10.1016/j.it.2018.08.006

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 31

  Chen S. Tan J. Zhang A. (2021). The ups, downs and new trends of IDO1 inhibitors. Bioorg Chem.110, 104815. 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104815

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 32

  Cheng Q. Shi X. L. Li Q. L. Wang L. Wang Z. (2024). Current advances on nanomaterials interfering with lactate metabolism for tumor therapy. Adv. Sci. (Weinh)11 (3), e2305662. 10.1002/advs.202305662

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 33

  Choi J. Kim H. Bae Y. K. Cheong H. (2017). REP1 modulates autophagy and macropinocytosis to enhance cancer cell survival. Int. J. Mol. Sci.18 (9), 1866. 10.3390/ijms18091866

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 34

  Chua K. Sim A. Y. L. Yeo E. Y. M. Bin Masroni M. S. Naw W. W. Leong S. M. et al (2023). ETC-159, an upstream Wnt inhibitor, induces tumour necrosis via modulation of angiogenesis in osteosarcoma. Int. J. Mol. Sci.24 (5), 4759. 10.3390/ijms24054759

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 35

  Coant N. Ducroc R. Mkaddem S. Pedruzzi E. Guichard C. Tréton X. et al (2010). NADPH oxidase 1 modulates WNT and NOTCH1 signaling to control the fate of proliferative progenitor cells in the colon. Mol. Cell Biol.30 (11), 2636–2650. 10.1128/MCB.01194-09

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 36

  Colozza G. Jami-Alahmadi Y. Dsouza A. Tejeda-Muñoz N. Albrecht L. V. Sosa E. A. et al (2020). Wnt-inducible Lrp6-APEX2 interacting proteins identify ESCRT machinery and Trk-fused gene as components of the Wnt signaling pathway. Sci. Rep.10, 21555. 10.1038/s41598-020-78019-5

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 37

  Commisso C. Davidson S. M. Soydaner-Azeloglu R. G. Parker S. J. Kamphorst J. J. Hackett S. et al (2013). Macropinocytosis of protein is an amino acid supply route in Ras-transformed cells. Nature497, 633–637. 10.1038/nature12138

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 38

  Coombs G. S. Yu J. Canning C. A. Veltri C. A. Covey T. M. Cheong J. K. et al (2010). WLS-dependent secretion of WNT3A requires Ser209 acylation and vacuolar acidification. J. Cell Sci.123 (19), 3357–3367. 10.1242/jcs.072132

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 39

  Cordero J. B. Sansom O. J. (2012). Wnt signalling and its role in stem cell-driven intestinal regeneration and hyperplasia. Acta Physiol. (Oxf)204 (1), 137–143. 10.1111/j.1748-1716.2011.02288.x

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 40

  Crabtree G. R. Olson E. N. (2002). NFAT signaling: choreographing the social lives of cells. Cell109, S67–S79. 10.1016/s0092-8674(02)00699-2

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 41

  Cullis J. Siolas D. Avanzi A. Barui S. Maitra A. Bar-Sagi D. (2017). Macropinocytosis of nab-paclitaxel drives macrophage activation in pancreatic cancer. Cancer Immunol. Res.5 (3), 182–190. 10.1158/2326-6066.CIR-16-0125

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 42

  Dang L. White D. W. Gross S. Bennett B. D. Bittinger M. A. Driggers E. M. et al (2010). Cancer-associated IDH1 mutations produce 2-hydroxyglutarate. Nature465 (7300), 966. 10.1038/nature09132

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 43

  De A. (2011). Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway: a brief overview. Acta Biochim. Biophys. Sin. (Shanghai).43 (10), 745–756. 10.1093/abbs/gmr079

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 44

  Dejmek J. Säfholm A. Kamp Nielsen C. Andersson T. Leandersson K. (2006). Wnt-5a/Ca2+-induced NFAT activity is counteracted by Wnt-5a/Yes-Cdc42-casein kinase 1alpha signaling in human mammary epithelial cells. Mol. Cell Biol.26, 6024–6036. 10.1128/MCB.02354-05

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 45

  DeVito N. C. Sturdivant M. Thievanthiran B. Xiao C. Plebanek M. P. Salama A. K. S. et al (2021). Pharmacological Wnt ligand inhibition overcomes key tumor-mediated resistance pathways to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Cell Rep.35 (5), 109071. 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109071

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 46

  Dijksterhuis J. P. Baljinnyam B. Stanger K. Sercan H. O. Ji Y. Andres O. et al (2015). Systematic mapping of WNT-FZD protein interactions reveals functional selectivity by distinct WNT-FZD pairs. J. Biol. Chem.290 (11), 6789–6798. 10.1074/jbc.M114.612648

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 47

  Douglass S. M. Fane M. E. Sanseviero E. Ecker B. L. Kugel C. H. Behera R. et al (2021). Myeloid-derived suppressor cells are a major source of Wnt5A in the melanoma microenvironment and depend on Wnt5A for full suppressive activity. Cancer Res.81 (3), 658–670. 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-20-1238

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 48

  Dubey R. D. Klippstein R. Wang J. T. Hodgins N. Mei K. C. Sosabowski J. et al (2017). Novel hyaluronic acid conjugates for dual nuclear imaging and therapy in CD44-Expressing tumors in mice in vivo. Nanotheranostics1 (1), 59–79. 10.7150/ntno.17896

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 49

  Edwards J. G. (1925). Formation of food-cups in amœba induced by chemicals. Biol. Bull.48, 236–239. 10.2307/1536568

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 50

  El-Ashmawy N. E. Al-Ashmawy G. M. Fakher H. E. Khedr N. F. (2020). The role of WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway and glutamine metabolism in the pathogenesis of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis: repositioning of niclosamide and concerns about lithium. Cytokine136, 155250. 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155250

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 51

  El-Sahli S. Xie Y. Wang L. Liu S. (2019). Wnt signaling in cancer metabolism and immunity. Cancers (Basel)11 (7), 904. 10.3390/cancers11070904

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 52

  Endo R. Nakamura T. Kawakami K. Sato Y. Harashima H. (2019). The silencing of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) in dendritic cells by siRNA-loaded lipid nanoparticles enhances cell-based cancer immunotherapy. Sci. Rep.9 (1), 11335. 10.1038/s41598-019-47799-w

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 53

  Esen E. Chen J. Karner C. M. Okunade A. L. Patterson B. W. Long F. (2013). WNT-LRP5 signaling induces Warburg effect through mTORC2 activation during osteoblast differentiation. Cell Metab.17 (5), 745–755. 10.1016/j.cmet.2013.03.017

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 54

  Etter E. L. Mei K. C. Nguyen J. (2021). Delivering more for less: nanosized, minimal-carrier and pharmacoactive drug delivery systems. Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev.179, 113994. 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113994

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 55

  Fares H. Greenwald I. (2001). Genetic analysis of endocytosis in Caenorhabditis elegans: coelomocyte uptake defective mutants. Genetics159 (1), 133–145. 10.1093/genetics/159.1.133

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 56

  Farrera-Hernández A. Marín-Llera J. C. Chimal-Monroy J. (2021). WNT5A-Ca2+-CaN-NFAT signalling plays a permissive role during cartilage differentiation in embryonic chick digit development. Dev. Biol.469, 86–95. 10.1016/j.ydbio.2020.10.003

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 57

  Fischer K. Hoffmann P. Voelkl S. Meidenbauer N. Ammer J. Edinger M. et al (2007). Inhibitory effect of tumor cell-derived lactic acid on human T cells. Blood109 (9), 3812–3819. 10.1182/blood-2006-07-035972

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 58

  Flores-Hernández E. Velázquez D. M. Castañeda-Patlán M. C. Fuentes-García G. Fonseca-Camarillo G. Yamamoto-Furusho J. K. et al (2020). Canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling are simultaneously activated by Wnts in colon cancer cells. Cell Signal72, 109636. 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109636

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 59

  Frezza C. Gottlieb E. (2009). Mitochondria in cancer: not just innocent bystanders. Semin. Cancer Biol.19, 4–11. 10.1016/j.semcancer.2008.11.008

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 60

  Fu H. Gao H. Qi X. Zhao L. Wu D. Bai Y. et al (2018). Aldolase A promotes proliferation and G1/S transition via the EGFR/MAPK pathway in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Commun. (Lond).38 (1), 18. 10.1186/s40880-018-0290-3

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 61

  Fu Y. Wei Y. Zhou Y. Wu H. Hong Y. Long C. et al (2021). Wnt5a regulates junctional function of sertoli cells through PCP-mediated effects on mTORC1 and mTORC2. Endocrinology162 (10), bqab149. 10.1210/endocr/bqab149

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 62

  Fu H. Li W. Liu J. Tang Q. Weng Z. Zhu L. et al (2024). Ellagic acid inhibits dihydrotestosterone-induced ferroptosis and promotes hair regeneration by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. J. Ethnopharmacol.330, 118227. 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118227

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 63

  Ganot P. Tambutté E. Caminiti-Segonds N. Toullec G. Allemand D. Tambutté S. (2020). Ubiquitous macropinocytosis in anthozoans. Elife9, e50022. 10.7554/eLife.50022

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 64

  Gao B. (2012). Wnt regulation of planar cell polarity (PCP). Curr. Top. Dev. Biol.101, 263–295. 10.1016/B978-0-12-394592-1.00008-9

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 65

  Gaowa A. Leangpanich S. Park E. J. Kawamoto E. Shimaoka M. (2024). Irisin promotes intestinal epithelial cell proliferation via Wnt/β-catenin and focal adhesion kinase signaling pathways. Sci. Rep.14 (1), 25702. 10.1038/s41598-024-76658-6

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 66

  Gatenby R. A. Gawlinski E. T. Gmitro A. F. Kaylor B. Gillies R. J. (2006). Acid-mediated tumor invasion: a multidisciplinary study. Cancer Res.66 (10), 5216–5223. 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-05-4193

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 67

  Glinka C. Dolde N. Kirsch Y. L. Huang O. Kazanskaya D. Ingelfinger D. et al (2011). LGR4 and LGR5 are R-spondin receptors mediating Wnt/β-catenin and Wnt/PCP signalling. EMBO Rep.12 (10), 1055–1061. 10.1038/embor.2011.175

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 68

  Goodrich L. V. Strutt D. (2011). Principles of planar polarity in animal development. Development138, 1877–1892. 10.1242/dev.054080

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 69

  Gottfried E. Kunz-Schughart L. A. Ebner S. Mueller-Klieser W. Hoves S. Andreesen R. et al (2006). Tumor-derived lactic acid modulates dendritic cell activation and antigen expression. Blood107 (5), 2013–2021. 10.1182/blood-2005-05-1795

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 70

  Guha A. Sriram V. Krishnan K. S. Mayor S. (2003). Shibire mutations reveal distinct dynamin-independent and -dependent endocytic pathways in primary cultures of drosophila hemocytes. J. Cell Sci.116 (Pt 16), 3373–3386. 10.1242/jcs.00637

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 71

  Guo Q. Xu J. Huang Z. Yao Q. Chen F. Liu H. et al (2021). ADMA mediates gastric cancer cell migration and invasion via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Clin. Transl. Oncol.23 (2), 325–334. 10.1007/s12094-020-02422-7

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 72

  Guo C. Yuan H. Wang Y. Feng Y. Zhang Y. Yin T. et al (2023). The interplay between PEGylated nanoparticles and blood immune system. Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev.200, 115044. 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115044

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 73

  Guo Y. Jiang T. Liang S. Wang A. Li J. et al (2025). Immunostimulatory hydrogel with synergistic blockage of glutamine metabolism and chemodynamic therapy for postoperative management of glioblastoma. Adv. Sci. (Weinh)12 (15), e2412507. 10.1002/advs.202412507

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 74

  Haegel H. Larue L. Ohsugi M. Fedorov L. Herrenknecht K. Kemler R. (1995). Lack of β-catenin affects mouse development at gastrulation. Development121 (11), 3529–3537. 10.1242/dev.121.11.3529

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 75

  Hayat R. Manzoor M. Hussain A. (2022). Wnt signaling pathway: a comprehensive review. Cell Biol. Int.46 (6), 863–877. 10.1002/cbin.11797

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 76

  He X. Semenov M. Tamai K. Zeng X. (2004). LDL receptor-related proteins 5 and 6 in Wnt/beta-catenin signaling: arrows point the way. Development131 (8), 1663–1677. 10.1242/dev.01117

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 77

  Henderson D. J. Long D. A. Dean C. H. (2018). Planar cell polarity in organ formation. Curr. Opin. Cell Biol.55, 96–103. 10.1016/j.ceb.2018.06.011

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 78

  Hobmayer B. Rentzsch F. Kuhn K. Happel C. M. von Laue C. C. Snyder P. et al (2000). WNT signalling molecules act in axis formation in the diploblastic metazoan hydra. Nature407 (6801), 186–189. 10.1038/35025063

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 79

  Holstein T. W. (2012). The evolution of the Wnt pathway. Cold Spring Harb. Perspect. Biol.4 (7), a007922. 10.1101/cshperspect.a007922

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 80

  Holstein T. W. Watanabe H. Özbek S. (2011). Signaling pathways and axis formation in the lower metazoa. Curr. Top. Dev. Biol.97, 137–772. 10.1016/B978-0-12-385975-4.00012-7

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 81

  Holtzhausen A. Zhao F. Evans K. S. Tsutsui M. Orabona C. Tyler D. S. et al (2015). Melanoma-derived Wnt5a promotes local dendritic-cell expression of IDO and immunotolerance: opportunities for pharmacologic enhancement of immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol. Res.3 (9), 1082–1095. 10.1158/2326-6066.CIR-14-0167

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 82

  Hoon J. L. Wong W. K. Koh C. G. (2012). Functions and regulation of circular dorsal ruffles. Mol. Cell. Biol.32 (21), 4246–4257. 10.1128/MCB.00551-12

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 83

  Hsieh J. C. Rattner A. Smallwood P. M. Nathans J. (1999). Biochemical characterization of Wnt-frizzled interactions using a soluble, biologically active vertebrate Wnt protein. PNAS96 (7), 3546–3551. 10.1073/pnas.96.7.3546

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 84

  Hsu S. Y. Kudo M. Chen T. Nakabayashi K. Bhalla A. van der Spek P. J. et al (2000). The three subfamilies of leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptors (LGR): identification of LGR6 and LGR7 and the signaling mechanism for LGR7. Mol. Endocrinol.14 (8), 1257–1271. 10.1210/mend.14.8.0510

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 85

  Huang J. Tian F. Song Y. Cao M. Yan S. Lan X. et al (2021). A feedback circuit comprising EHD1 and 14-3-3ζ sustains β-catenin/c-Myc-mediated aerobic glycolysis and proliferation in non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Lett.520, 12–25. 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.06.023

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 86

  Huelsken J. Vogel R. Brinkmann V. Erdmann B. Birchmeier C. Birchmeier W. (2000). Requirement for β-catenin in anterior-posterior axis formation in mice. J. Cell Biol.148, 567–578. 10.1083/jcb.148.3.567

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 87

  Hyun H. Park J. Willis K. Park J. E. Lyle L. T. Lee W. et al (2018). Surface modification of polymer nanoparticles with native albumin for enhancing drug delivery to solid tumors. Biomaterials180, 206–224. 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.07.024

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 88

  Janda C. Y. Waghray D. Levin A. M. Thomas C. Garcia K. C. (2012). Structural basis of Wnt recognition by frizzled. Science337 (6090), 59–64. 10.1126/science.1222879

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 89

  Jeon S. M. Lim J. S. Park S. H. Lee J. H. (2021). Wnt signaling promotes tumor development in part through phosphofructokinase 1 platelet isoform upregulation. Oncol. Rep.46 (5), 234. 10.3892/or.2021.8185

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 90

  Jiang G. Wei C. Chen Y. Lyu Y. Huang J. Chen H. et al (2023). Targeted drug delivery system inspired by macropinocytosis. J. Control Release359, 302–314. 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.06.011

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 91

  Jiang K. Wang Q. Chen X. L. Wang X. Gu X. Feng S. et al (2024). Nanodelivery optimization of IDO1 inhibitors in tumor immunotherapy: challenges and strategies. Int. J. Nanomedicine19, 8847–8882. 10.2147/IJN.S458086

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 92

  Jochems C. Fantini M. Fernando R. I. Kwilas A. R. Donahue R. N. Lepone L. M. et al (2016). The IDO1 selective inhibitor epacadostat enhances dendritic cell immunogenicity and lytic ability of tumor antigen-specific T cells. Oncotarget7 (25), 37762–37772. 10.18632/oncotarget.9326

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 93

  Kamphorst J. J. Nofal M. Commisso C. Hackett S. R. Lu W. Grabocka E. et al (2015). Human pancreatic cancer tumors are nutrient poor and tumor cells actively scavenge extracellular protein. Cancer Res.75, 544–553. 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-14-2211

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 94

  Katoh M. Katoh M. (2022). WNT signaling and cancer stemness. Essays Biochem.66 (4), 319–331. 10.1042/EBC20220016

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 95

  Kim J. Gao P. Liu Y.-C. Semenza G. L. Dang C. V. (2007). Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 and dysregulated c-Myc cooperatively induce vascular endothelial growth factor and metabolic switches hexokinase 2 and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1. Mol. Cell. Biol.27 (21), 7381–7393. 10.1128/MCB.00440-07

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 96

  Kim S. M. Nguyen T. T. Ravi A. Kubiniok P. Finicle B. T. Jayashankar V. et al (2018). PTEN deficiency and AMPK activation promote nutrient scavenging and anabolism in prostate cancer cells. Cancer Discov.8 (7), 866–883. 10.1158/2159-8290.CD-17-1215

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 97

  Kimmelman A. C. White E. (2017). Autophagy and tumor metabolism. Cell Metab.25 (5), 1037–1043. 10.1016/j.cmet.2017.04.004

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 98

  King B. Araki J. Palm W. Thompson C. B. (2020). Yap/Taz promote the scavenging of extracellular nutrients through macropinocytosis. Genes Dev.34 (19-20), 1345–1358. 10.1101/gad.340661.120

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 99

  Kleszcz R. Paluszczak J. Belka M. Krajka-Kuźniak V. (2023). PRI-724 and IWP-O1 wnt signaling pathway inhibitors modulate the expression of glycolytic enzymes in tongue cancer cell lines. Curr. Issues Mol. Biol.45 (12), 9579–9592. 10.3390/cimb45120599

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 100

  Koca Y. Collu G. M. Mlodzik M. (2022). Wnt-frizzled planar cell polarity signaling in the regulation of cell motility. Curr. Top. Dev. Biol.150, 255–297. 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.03.006

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 101

  Kondoh H. Lleonart M. E. Gil J. Wang J. Degan P. Peters G. et al (2005). Glycolytic enzymes can modulate cellular life span. Cancer Res.65 (1), 177–185. 10.1158/0008-5472.177.65.1

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 102

  Kornsuthisopon C. Photichailert S. Nowwarote N. Tompkins K. A. Osathanon T. (2022). Wnt signaling in dental pulp homeostasis and dentin regeneration. Arch. Oral Biol.134, 105322. 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2021.105322

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 103

  Kriz V. Korinek V. (2018). Wnt, RSPO and hippo signalling in the intestine and intestinal stem cells. Genes (Basel)9 (1), 20. 10.3390/genes9010020

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 104

  Kühl M. Sheldahl L. C. Malbon C. C. Moon R. T. (2000). Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II is stimulated by Wnt and frizzled homologs and promotes ventral cell fates in xenopus. J. Biol. Chem.275, 12701–12711. 10.1074/jbc.275.17.12701

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 105

  Lai K. K. Y. Kweon S. M. Chi F. Hwang E. Kabe Y. Higashiyama R. et al (2017). Stearoyl-CoA desaturase promotes liver fibrosis and tumor development in mice via a wnt positive-signaling loop by stabilization of low-density lipoprotein-receptor-related proteins 5 and 6. Gastroenterology152 (6), 1477–1491. 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.01.021

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 106

  Lambies G. Lee S. W. Duong-Polk K. Aza-Blanc P. Maganti S. Galapate C. M. et al (2024). Cell polarity proteins promote macropinocytosis in response to metabolic stress. Nat. Commun.15 (1), 10541. 10.1038/s41467-024-54788-9

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 107

  Lee S. H. Shin S. M. Zhong P. Kim H. T. Kim D. I. Kim J. M. et al (2018). Reciprocal control of excitatory synapse numbers by Wnt and Wnt inhibitor PRR7 secreted on exosomes. Nat. Commun.9 (1), 3434. 10.1038/s41467-018-05858-2

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 108

  Lee C. H. R. Mohamed Hussain K. Chu J. J. H. (2019a). Macropinocytosis dependent entry of Chikungunya virus into human muscle cells. PLoS Negl. Trop. Dis.13 (8), e0007610. 10.1371/journal.pntd.0007610

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 109

  Lee J. H. Pasquarella J. R. Kalejta R. F. (2019b). Cell line models for human cytomegalovirus latency faithfully mimic viral entry by macropinocytosis and endocytosis. J. Virol.93 (21), e01021-19. 10.1128/JVI.01021-19

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 110

  Lei Y. He L. Li Y. Hou J. Zhang H. (2024). PDLIM1 interacts with HK2 to promote gastric cancer progression through enhancing the Warburg effect via Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Cell Tissue Res.395 (1), 105–116. 10.1007/s00441-023-03840-z

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 111

  Leucht P. Lee S. Yim N. (2019). Wnt signaling and bone regeneration: can't have one without the other. Biomaterials196, 46–50. 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.03.029

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 112

  Leung R. W. H. Lee T. K. W. (2022). Wnt/β-Catenin signaling as a driver of stemness and metabolic reprogramming in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancers (Basel)14 (21), 5468. 10.3390/cancers14215468

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 113

  Lewis W. H. (1931). Pinocytosis. Bull. Johns Hopkins Hosp.49, 17–27.

  • Google Scholar

• 114

  Li B. Cao Y. Meng G. Qian L. Xu T. Yan C. et al (2019). Targeting glutaminase 1 attenuates stemness properties in hepatocellular carcinoma by increasing reactive oxygen species and suppressing Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. EBioMedicine39, 239–254. 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.11.063

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 115

  Li M. Liu Q. He S. Kong X. Lin J. Huang Y. et al (2021). Icaritin inhibits skin fibrosis through regulating AMPK and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Cell Biochem. Biophys.79 (2), 231–238. 10.1007/s12013-020-00952-z

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 116

  Li D. Sun J. Zhong T. P. (2022). Wnt signaling in heart development and regeneration. Curr. Cardiol. Rep.24 (10), 1425–1438. 10.1007/s11886-022-01756-8

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 117

  Li Y. T. Mei K. C. Liam-Or R. Wang J. T. Faruqu F. N. Zhu S. et al (2024). Graphene oxide nanosheets toxicity in mice is dependent on protein corona composition and host immunity. ACS Nano18 (33), 22572–22585. 10.1021/acsnano.4c08561

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 118

  Li C. Liu Y. Liu C. Chen F. Xie Y. Zeh H. J. et al (2025). AGER-dependent macropinocytosis drives resistance to KRAS-G12D-targeted therapy in advanced pancreatic cancer. Sci. Transl. Med.17 (783), eadp4986. 10.1126/scitranslmed.adp4986

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 119

  Liang L. Chen Y. Yu Y. Pan W. Cui Y. Xu X. et al (2020). SLC25A18 has prognostic value in colorectal cancer and represses Warburg effect and cell proliferation via Wnt signaling. Am. J. Cancer Res.10 (5), 1548–1567.

  • Google Scholar

• 120

  Liang Y. Rao Z. Du D. Wang Y. Fang T. (2023). Butyrate prevents the migration and invasion, and aerobic glycolysis in gastric cancer via inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin/c-Myc signaling. Drug Dev. Res.84 (3), 532–541. 10.1002/ddr.22043

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 121

  Liao Y. (2017). Cancer metabolism as we know it today: a prologue to a special issue of cancer metabolism. Genes Dis.4 (1), 4–6. 10.1016/j.gendis.2017.02.001

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 122

  Liu Z. Roche P. A. (2015). Macropinocytosis in phagocytes: regulation of MHC class-II-restricted antigen presentation in dendritic cells. Front. Physiol.6, 1. 10.3389/fphys.2015.00001

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 123

  Liu T. Yin H. (2017). PDK1 promotes tumor cell proliferation and migration by enhancing the warburg effect in non-small cell lung cancer. Oncol. Rep.37 (1), 193–200. 10.3892/or.2016.5253

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 124

  Liu P. Wakamiya M. Shea M. J. Albrecht U. Behringer R. R. Bradley A. (1999). Requirement for Wnt3 in vertebrate axis formation. Nat. Genet.22 (4), 361–365. 10.1038/11932

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 125

  Liu X. Jiang J. Liao Y. P. Tang I. Zheng E. Qiu W. et al (2021). Combination chemo-immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer using the immunogenic effects of an Irinotecan silicasome nanocarrier plus Anti-PD-1. Adv. Sci. (Weinh)8 (6), 2002147. 10.1002/advs.202002147

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 126

  Liu P. Chen G. Zhang J. (2022a). A review of liposomes as a drug delivery system: current status of approved products, regulatory environments, and future perspectives. Molecules27 (4), 1372. 10.3390/molecules27041372

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 127

  Liu Y. Qi X. Donnelly L. Elghobashi-Meinhardt N. Long T. Zhou R. W. et al (2022b). Mechanisms and inhibition of Porcupine-mediated Wnt acylation. Nature607 (7920), 816–822. 10.1038/s41586-022-04952-2

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 128

  Liu Y. Lei P. Samuel R. Z. Kashyap A. M. Groth T. Bshara W. et al (2023). Cadherin-11 increases tumor cell proliferation and metastatic potential via Wnt pathway activation. Mol. Oncol.17 (10), 2056–2073. 10.1002/1878-0261.13507

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 129

  Liu H. Y. Sun X. J. Xiu S. Y. Zhang X. Y. Wang Z. Q. Gu Y. L. et al (2024). Frizzled receptors (FZDs) in Wnt signaling: potential therapeutic targets for human cancers. Acta Pharmacol. Sin.45 (8), 1556–1570. 10.1038/s41401-024-01270-3

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 130

  Lo Y. L. Wang T. Y. Chen C. J. Chang Y. H. Lin A. M. (2022). Two-in-One nanoparticle formulation to deliver a tyrosine kinase inhibitor and microRNA for targeting metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial dysfunction in gastric cancer. Pharmaceutics14 (9), 1759. 10.3390/pharmaceutics14091759

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 131

  Loh K. M. van Amerongen R. Nusse R. (2016). Generating cellular diversity and spatial form: Wnt signaling and the evolution of multicellular animals. Dev. Cell38 (6), 643–655. 10.1016/j.devcel.2016.08.011

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 132

  Lou Y. X. Gu J. Zhu L. Sun S. Q. Hao X. L. Chen J. P. et al (2023). TC2N promotes cell proliferation and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. Lab. Invest103 (12), 100260. 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100260

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 133

  Lu W. Pelicano H. Huang P. (2010). Cancer metabolism: is glutamine sweeter than glucose?Cancer Cell18, 199–200. 10.1016/j.ccr.2010.08.017

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 134

  Lu L. Wang H. Liu X. Tan L. Qiao X. Ni J. et al (2021). Pyruvate kinase isoform M2 impairs cognition in systemic lupus erythematosus by promoting microglial synaptic pruning via the β-catenin signaling pathway. J. Neuroinflammation18 (1), 229. 10.1186/s12974-021-02279-9

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 135

  Lucero-Acuña A. Jeffery J. J. Abril E. R. Nagle R. B. Guzman R. Pagel M. D. et al (2014). Nanoparticle delivery of an AKT/PDK1 inhibitor improves the therapeutic effect in pancreatic cancer. Int. J. Nanomedicine9, 5653–5665. 10.2147/IJN.S68511

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 136

  Lum J. J. Bui T. Gruber M. Gordan J. D. DeBerardinis R. J. Covello K. L. et al (2007). The transcription factor HIF-1alpha plays a critical role in the growth factor-dependent regulation of both aerobic and anaerobic glycolysis. Genes Dev.21 (9), 1037–1049. 10.1101/gad.1529107

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 137

  Ma Q. Yu J. Zhang X. Wu X. Deng G. (2023). Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-a versatile player in apoptosis and autophagy. Biochimie211, 57–67. 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.03.001

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 138

  Madsen J. F. Ernst E. H. Amoushahi M. Dueholm M. Ernst E. Lykke-Hartmann K. (2024). Dorsomorphin inhibits AMPK, upregulates Wnt and Foxo genes and promotes the activation of dormant follicles. Commun. Biol.7 (1), 747. 10.1038/s42003-024-06418-9

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 139

  Malki A. ElRuz R. A. Gupta I. Allouch A. Vranic S. Al Moustafa A. E. (2020). Molecular mechanisms of Colon cancer progression and metastasis: recent insights and advancements. Int. J. Mol. Sci.22 (1), 130. 10.3390/ijms22010130

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 140

  Malladi S. Macalinao D. G. Jin X. He L. Basnet H. Zou Y. et al (2016). Metastatic latency and immune evasion through autocrine inhibition of WNT. Cell165 (1), 45–60. 10.1016/j.cell.2016.02.025

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 141

  Martínez-Reyes I. Chandel N. S. (2021). Cancer metabolism: looking forward. Nat. Rev. Cancer21 (10), 669–680. 10.1038/s41568-021-00378-6

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 142

  Masiakowski P. Carroll R. D. (1992). A novel family of cell surface receptors with tyrosine kinase-like domain. J. Biol. Chem.267 (36), 26181–26190. 10.1016/s0021-9258(18)35733-8

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 143

  Masiakowski P. Yancopoulos G. D. (1998). The wnt receptor CRD domain is also found in MuSK and related orphan receptor tyrosine kinases. Curr. Biol.8, R407. 10.1016/s0960-9822(98)70263-5

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 144

  Mathiyalagan P. Sahoo S. (2017). Exosomes-based gene therapy for MicroRNA delivery. Methods Mol. Biol.1521, 139–152. 10.1007/978-1-4939-6588-5_9

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 145

  Matsuda M. Sokol S. Y. (2021). Xenopus neural tube closure: a vertebrate model linking planar cell polarity to actomyosin contractions. Curr. Top. Dev. Biol.145, 41–60. 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2021.04.001

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 146

  McMahon A. P. Moon R. T. (1989). Ectopic expression of the proto-oncogene int-1 in xenopus embryos leads to duplication of the embryonic axis. Cell58 (6), 1075–1084. 10.1016/0092-8674(89)90506-0

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 147

  Means N. Elechalawar C. K. Chen W. R. Bhattacharya R. Mukherjee P. (2022). Revealing macropinocytosis using nanoparticles. Mol. Asp. Med.83, 100993. 10.1016/j.mam.2021.100993

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 148

  Medina M. A. (2001). Glutamine and cancer. J. Nutr.131, 2539S–2541S. 10.1093/jn/131.9.2539S

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 149

  Mei K. C. Bai J. Lorrio S. Wang J. T. Al-Jamal K. T. (2016). Investigating the effect of tumor vascularization on magnetic targeting in vivo using retrospective design of experiment. Biomaterials106, 276–285. 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2016.08.030

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 150

  Mei K. C. Ghazaryan A. Teoh E. Z. Summers H. D. Li Y. Ballesteros B. et al (2018). Protein-Corona-by-Design in 2D: a reliable platform to decode bio-nano interactions for the next-generation quality-by-design nanomedicines. Adv. Mater30, e1802732. 10.1002/adma.201802732

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 151

  Mei K. C. Liao Y. P. Jiang J. Chiang M. Khazaieli M. Liu X. et al (2020). Liposomal delivery of mitoxantrone and a cholesteryl Indoximod Prodrug provides effective chemo-immunotherapy in multiple solid tumors. ACS Nano14 (10), 13343–13366. 10.1021/acsnano.0c05194

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 152

  Mei K. C. Costa P. M. Kreuzer M. Al-Jamal K. T. (2021). Interpreting 2D materials bio-nano interactions: influence of aggregation status, protein Corona, cell culture media, and cell types. Adv. Mater. Interfaces.8 (17), 2100251. 10.1002/admi.202100251

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 153

  Mei K. C. Stiepel R. T. Bonacquisti E. Jasiewicz N. E. Chaudhari A. P. Tiwade P. B. et al (2023). Single-tailed heterocyclic carboxamide lipids for macrophage immune-modulation. Biomater. Sci.11 (8), 2693–2698. 10.1039/d2bm01804g

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 154

  Mei K. C. Thota N. Wei P. S. Yi B. Bonacquisti E. E. Nguyen J. (2024). Calreticulin P-domain-derived “Eat-me” peptides for enhancing liposomal uptake in dendritic cells. Int. J. Pharm.653, 123844. 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2024.123844

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 155

  Menck K. Heinrichs S. Baden C. Bleckmann A. (2021). The WNT/ROR pathway in cancer: from signaling to therapeutic intervention. Cells10 (1), 142. 10.3390/cells10010142

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 156

  Meng X. Lu Z. Lv Q. Jiang Y. Zhang L. Wang Z. (2022). Tumor metabolism destruction via metformin-based glycolysis inhibition and glucose oxidase-mediated glucose deprivation for enhanced cancer therapy. Acta Biomater.145, 222–234. 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.04.022

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 157

  Mercer J. Helenius A. (2009). Virus entry by macropinocytosis. Nat. Cell Biol.11 (5), 510–520. 10.1038/ncb0509-510

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 158

  Miao L. Li L. Huang Y. Delcassian D. Chahal J. Han J. et al (2019). Delivery of mRNA vaccines with heterocyclic lipids increases anti-tumor efficacy by STING-mediated immune cell activation. Nat. Biotechnol.37 (10), 1174–1185. 10.1038/s41587-019-0247-3

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 159

  Mohammed M. K. Shao C. Wang J. Wei Q. Wang X. Collier Z. et al (2016). Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays an ever-expanding role in stem cell self-renewal, tumorigenesis and cancer chemoresistance. Genes Dis.3 (1), 11–40. 10.1016/j.gendis.2015.12.004

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 160

  Moon R. T. Kohn A. D. De Ferrari G. V. Kaykas A. (2004). WNT and beta-catenin signalling: diseases and therapies. Nat. Rev. Genet.5 (9), 691–701. 10.1038/nrg1427

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 161

  Motono M. Ioroi Y. Ogura T. Takahashi J. (2016). WNT-C59, a small-molecule WNT inhibitor, efficiently induces anterior cortex that includes cortical motor neurons from human pluripotent stem cells. Stem Cells Transl. Med.5 (4), 552–560. 10.5966/sctm.2015-0261

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 162

  Muller A. J. Manfredi M. G. Zakharia Y. Prendergast G. C. (2019). Inhibiting IDO pathways to treat cancer: lessons from the ECHO-301 trial and beyond. Semin. Immunopathol.41 (1), 41–48. 10.1007/s00281-018-0702-0

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 163

  Nath A. Li I. Roberts L. R. Chan C. (2015). Elevated free fatty acid uptake via CD36 promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci. Rep.5, 14752. 10.1038/srep14752

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 164

  Nel A. E. Mei K. C. Liao Y. P. Liu X. (2022). Multifunctional lipid bilayer nanocarriers for cancer immunotherapy in heterogeneous tumor microenvironments, combining immunogenic cell death stimuli with immune modulatory drugs. ACS Nano16 (4), 5184–5232. 10.1021/acsnano.2c01252

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 165

  Ni R. Li Z. Li L. Peng D. Ming Y. et al (2023). Rethinking glutamine metabolism and the regulation of glutamine addiction by oncogenes in cancer. Front. Oncol.13, 1143798. 10.3389/fonc.2023.1143798

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 166

  Nusse R. Varmus H. E. (1982). Many tumors induced by the mouse mammary tumor virus contain a provirus integrated in the same region of the host genome. Cell31 (1), 99–109. 10.1016/0092-8674(82)90409-3

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 167

  Nusse R. Varmus H. (2012). Three decades of wnts: a personal perspective on how a scientific field developed. EMBO J.31 (12), 2670–2684. 10.1038/emboj.2012.146

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 168

  Odunsi K. Qian F. Lugade A. A. Yu H. Geller M. A. Fling S. P. et al (2022). Metabolic adaptation of ovarian tumors in patients treated with an IDO1 inhibitor constrains antitumor immune responses. Sci. Transl. Med.14 (636), eabg8402. 10.1126/scitranslmed.abg8402

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 169

  Overmeyer J. H. Kaul A. Johnson E. E. Maltese W. A. (2008). Active ras triggers death in glioblastoma cells through hyperstimulation of macropinocytosis. Mol. Cancer Res.6, 965–977. 10.1158/1541-7786.MCR-07-2036

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 170

  Palm W. Park Y. Wright K. Pavlova N. N. Tuveson D. A. Thompson C. B. (2015). The utilization of extracellular proteins as Nutrients is suppressed by mTORC1. Cell.162, 259–270. 10.1016/j.cell.2015.06.017

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 171

  Park S. Y. Lee Y. K. Kim H. J. Park O. J. Kim Y. M. (2016). AMPK interacts with β-catenin in the regulation of hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and survival with selenium treatment. Oncol. Rep.35 (3), 1566–1572. 10.3892/or.2015.4519

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 172

  Park S. J. Kim J. H. Oh S. Lee D. Y. (2023). Metabolome-wide reprogramming modulated by Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. J. Microbiol. Biotechnol.33 (1), 114–122. 10.4014/jmb.2211.11013

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 173

  Pate K. T. Stringari C. Sprowl-Tanio S. Wang K. TeSlaa T. Hoverter N. P. et al (2014). Wnt signaling directs a metabolic program of glycolysis and angiogenesis in colon cancer. EMBO J.33 (13), 1454–1473. 10.15252/embj.201488598

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 174

  Penny M. K. Lerario A. M. Basham K. J. Chukkapalli S. Mohan D. R. LaPensee C. et al (2023). Targeting oncogenic Wnt/β-Catenin signaling in adrenocortical carcinoma disrupts ECM expression and impairs tumor growth. Cancers (Basel)15 (14), 3559. 10.3390/cancers15143559

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 175

  Pham S. H. Pratt K. Okolicsanyi R. K. Oikari L. E. Yu C. Peall I. W. et al (2022). Syndecan-1 and -4 influence Wnt signaling and cell migration in human breast cancers. Biochimie198, 60–75. 10.1016/j.biochi.2022.01.014

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 176

  Prendergast G. C. Malachowski W. P. DuHadaway J. B. Muller A. J. (2017). Discovery of IDO1 inhibitors: from bench to bedside. Cancer Res.77 (24), 6795–6811. 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-17-2285

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 177

  Qian Y. Wang X. Liu Y. Li Y. Colvin R. A. Tong L. et al (2014). Extracellular ATP is internalized by macropinocytosis and induces intracellular ATP increase and drug resistance in cancer cells. Cancer Lett.351, 242–251. 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.06.008

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 178

  Qin K. Yu M. Fan J. Wang H. Zhao P. et al (2023). Canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling: multilayered mediators, signaling mechanisms and major signaling crosstalk. Genes Dis.11 (1), 103–134. 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.01.030

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 179

  Rainero E. (2024). Macropinocytosis at the crossroad between nutrient scavenging and metabolism in cancer. Curr. Opin. Cell Biol.88, 102359. 10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102359

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 180

  Raslan A. A. Yoon J. K. (2020). WNT signaling in lung repair and regeneration. Mol. Cells43 (9), 774–783. 10.14348/molcells.2020.0059

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 181

  Redelman-Sidi G. Binyamin A. Gaeta I. Palm W. Thompson C. B. Romesser P. B. et al (2018). The canonical wnt pathway drives macropinocytosis in cancer. Cancer Res.78 (16), 4658–4670. 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-17-3199

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 182

  Reitzer L. J. Wice B. M. Kennell D. (1979). Evidence that glutamine, not sugar, is the major energy source for cultured HeLa cells. J. Biol. Chem.254, 2669–2676. 10.1016/s0021-9258(17)30124-2

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 183

  Richards T. Modarage K. Dean C. McCarthy-Boxer A. Hilton H. Esapa C. et al (2019). Atmin modulates Pkhd1 expression and may mediate Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease (ARPKD) through altered non-canonical Wnt/Planar Cell Polarity (PCP) signalling. Biochim. Biophys. Acta Mol. Basis Dis.1865 (2), 378–390. 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.11.003

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 184

  Rim E. Y. Clevers H. Nusse R. (2022). The wnt pathway: from signaling mechanisms to synthetic modulators. Annu. Rev. Biochem.91, 571–598. 10.1146/annurev-biochem-040320-103615

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 185

  Roche T. E. Baker J. C. Yan X. Hiromasa Y. Gong X. Peng T. et al (2001). Distinct regulatory properties of pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase and phosphatase isoforms. Progr. Nucleic Acid. Res. Mol. Biol.70, 33–75. 10.1016/s0079-6603(01)70013-x

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 186

  Rong Z. Xu J. Yang J. Wang W. Tang R. Zhang Z. et al (2024). CircRREB1 mediates metabolic reprogramming and stemness maintenance to facilitate pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression. Cancer Res.84 (24), 4246–4263. 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-23-3596

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 187

  Saldanha J. Singh J. Mahadevan D. (1998). Identification of a frizzled like cysteine rich domain in the extracellular region of developmental receptor tyrosine kinases. Protein Sci.7 (7), 1632–1635. 10.1002/pro.5560070718

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 188

  Sallusto F. Cella M. Danieli C. Lanzavecchia A. (1995). Dendritic cells use macropinocytosis and the mannose receptor to concentrate macromolecules in the major histocompatibility complex class II compartment: downregulation by cytokines and bacterial products. J. Exp. Med.182 (2), 389–400. 10.1084/jem.182.2.389

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 189

  Seliger C. Leukel P. Moeckel S. Jachnik B. Lottaz C. Kreutz M. et al (2013). Lactate-modulated induction of THBS-1 activates transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta2 and migration of glioma cells in vitro. PLoS One8 (11), e78935. 10.1371/journal.pone.0078935

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 190

  Seltzer M. J. Bennett B. D. Joshi A. D. Gao P. Thomas A. G. Ferraris D. V. et al (2010). Inhibition of glutaminase preferentially slows growth of glioma cells with mutant IDH1. Cancer Res.70 (22), 8981–8987. 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-10-1666

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 191

  Shah S. Dhawan V. Holm R. Nagarsenker M. S. Perrie Y. (2020). Liposomes: advancements and innovation in the manufacturing process. Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev.154–155, 102–122. 10.1016/j.addr.2020.07.002

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 192

  Shen J. Cao B. Wang Y. Ma C. Zeng Z. Liu L. et al (2018). Hippo component YAP promotes focal adhesion and tumour aggressiveness via transcriptionally activating THBS1/FAK signalling in breast cancer. J. Exp. Clin. Cancer Res.37 (1), 175. 10.1186/s13046-018-0850-z

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 193

  Shen L. Sharma D. Yu Y. Long F. Karner C. M. (2021). Biphasic regulation of glutamine consumption by WNT during osteoblast differentiation. J. Cell Sci.134 (1), jcs251645. 10.1242/jcs.251645

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 194

  Shen H. Wang H. Mo J. Zhang J. Xu C. Sun F. et al (2024). Unrestricted molecular motions enable mild photothermy for recurrence-resistant FLASH antitumor radiotherapy. Bioact. Mater37, 299–312. 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2024.03.024

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 195

  Shi D. L. (2022). Wnt/planar cell polarity signaling controls morphogenetic movements of gastrulation and neural tube closure. Cell Mol. Life Sci.79 (12), 586. 10.1007/s00018-022-04620-8

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 196

  Shi D. L. (2023). Planar cell polarity regulators in asymmetric organogenesis during development and disease. J. Genet. Genomics50 (2), 63–76. 10.1016/j.jgg.2022.06.007

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 197

  Shi D. L. (2024). Canonical and non-canonical wnt signaling generates molecular and cellular asymmetries to establish embryonic axes. J. Dev. Biol.12 (3), 20. 10.3390/jdb12030020

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 198

  Shih P. C. Mei K. C. (2021). Role of STAT3 signaling transduction pathways in cancer stem cell-associated chemoresistance. Drug Discov. Today26 (6), 1450–1458. 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.11.032

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 199

  Slusarski D. C. Yang-Snyder J. Busa W. B. Moon R. T. (1997). Modulation of embryonic intracellular Ca2+ signaling by Wnt-5A. Dev. Biol.182, 114–120. 10.1006/dbio.1996.8463

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 200

  Smith M. Newton R. Owens S. Gong X. Tian C. (2020). 28 retrospective pooled analysis of epacadostat clinical studies identifies doses required for maximal pharmacodynamic effect in anti-PD-1 combination studies. J. Immunother. Cancer8, 3.

  • Google Scholar

• 201

  Son A. Kang S. Choi S. Shin S. W. Kim Y. et al (2023). Targeting Na-H exchanger 1 overcomes nuclear factor kappa B-mediated tumor resistance to radiotherapy. Neoplasia35, 100862. 10.1016/j.neo.2022.100862

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 202

  Sprowl-Tanio S. Habowski A. N. Pate K. T. McQuade M. M. Wang K. Edwards R. A. et al (2016). Lactate/Pyruvate transporter MCT-1 is a direct Wnt target that confers sensitivity to 3-bromopyruvate in colon cancer. Cancer Metab.4, 20. 10.1186/s40170-016-0159-3

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 203

  Strutt H. Strutt D. (2009). Asymmetric localisation of planar polarity proteins: mechanisms and consequences. Semin. Cell Dev. Biol.20 (8), 957–963. 10.1016/j.semcdb.2009.03.006

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 204

  Sun G. Wu L. Sun G. Shi X. Cao H. Tang W. (2021a). WNT5a in colorectal cancer: research progress and challenges. Cancer Manag. Res.13, 2483–2498. 10.2147/CMAR.S289819

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 205

  Sun H. Wang T. Atkinson P. J. Billings S. E. Dong W. Cheng A. G. (2021b). Gpr125 marks distinct cochlear cell types and is dispensable for cochlear development and hearing. Front. Cell Dev. Biol.28 (9), 690955. 10.3389/fcell.2021.690955

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 206

  Tanaka K. Kitagawa Y. Kadowaki T. (2002). Drosophila segment polarity gene product porcupine stimulates the posttranslational N-glycosylation of wingless in the endoplasmic reticulum. J. Biol. Chem.277 (15), 12816–12823. 10.1074/jbc.M200187200

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 207

  Tejeda-Muñoz N. De Robertis E. M. (2022). Wnt, GSK3, and macropinocytosis. Subcell. Biochem.98, 169–187. 10.1007/978-3-030-94004-1_9

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 208

  Tejeda-Muñoz N. Mei K. C. (2024). Wnt signaling in cell adhesion, development, and colon cancer. IUBMB Life.76 (7), 383–396. 10.1002/iub.2806

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 209

  Tejeda-Muñoz N. Robertis E. M. D. (2022). Lysosomes are required for early dorsal signaling in the Xenopus embryo. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A.119, e2201008119. 10.1073/pnas.2201008119

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 210

  Tejeda-Muñoz N. Albrecht L. V. Bui M. H. De Robertis E. M. (2019). Wnt canonical pathway activates macropinocytosis and lysosomal degradation of extracellular proteins. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A.116 (21), 10402–10411. 10.1073/pnas.1903506116

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 211

  Tejeda-Muñoz N. Mei K.-C. Sheladiya P. Monka J. (2022a). Targeting membrane trafficking as a strategy for cancer treatment. Vaccines.10, 790. 10.3390/vaccines10050790

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 212

  Tejeda-Muñoz N. Monka J. De Robertis E. M. (2022b). Protocol for culturing and imaging of ectodermal cells from Xenopus. Star. Protoc.3, 101455. 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101455

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 213

  Tejeda-Muñoz N. Morselli M. Moriyama Y. Sheladiya P. Pellegrini M. De Robertis E. M. (2022c). Canonical wnt signaling induces focal adhesion and integrin Beta-1 endocytosis. iScience25, 104123. 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104123

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 214

  Tejeda-Muñoz N. Binder G. Mei K. C. (2024). Emerging therapeutic strategies for wnt-dependent colon cancer targeting macropinocytosis. Cells Dev.180, 203974. 10.1016/j.cdev.2024.203974

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 215

  Thaker A. I. Rao M. S. Bishnupuri K. S. Kerr T. A. Foster L. Marinshaw J. M. et al (2013). IDO1 metabolites activate β-catenin signaling to promote cancer cell proliferation and colon tumorigenesis in mice. Gastroenterology145 (2), 416–425. 10.1053/j.gastro.2013.05.002

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 216

  Theivanthiran B. Evans K. S. DeVito N. C. Plebanek M. Sturdivant M. Wachsmuth L. P. et al (2020). A tumor-intrinsic PD-L1/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway drives resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. J. Clin. Invest130 (5), 2570–2586. 10.1172/JCI133055

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 217

  Thrasivoulou C. Millar M. Ahmed A. (2013). Activation of intracellular calcium by multiple Wnt ligands and translocation of β-catenin into the nucleus: a convergent model of Wnt/Ca2+ and Wnt/β-catenin pathways. J. Biol. Chem.288 (50), 35651–35659. 10.1074/jbc.M112.437913

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 218

  Tsujimura N. Yamada N. O. Kuranaga Y. Kumazaki M. Shinohara H. Taniguchi K. et al (2016). A novel role of dickkopf-related protein 3 in macropinocytosis in human bladder cancer T24 cells. Int. J. Mol. Sci.17 (11), 1846. 10.3390/ijms17111846

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 219

  Tufail M. Wu C. (2023). WNT5A: a double-edged sword in colorectal cancer progression. Mutat. Res. Rev. Mutat. Res.792, 108465. 10.1016/j.mrrev.2023.108465

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 220

  Valdivia A. Goicoechea S. M. Awadia S. Zinn A. Garcia-Mata R. (2017). Regulation of circular dorsal ruffles, macropinocytosis, and cell migration by RhoG and its exchange factor, Trio. Trio. Mol. Biol. Cell28 (13), 1768–1781. 10.1091/mbc.E16-06-0412

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 221

  Vallée A. Lecarpentier Y. Vallée J. N. (2021). The key role of the WNT/β-Catenin pathway in metabolic reprogramming in cancers under normoxic conditions. Cancers (Basel)13 (21), 5557. 10.3390/cancers13215557

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 222

  VanderVorst K. Dreyer C. A. Hatakeyama J. Bell G. R. R. Learn J. A. Berg A. L. et al (2023). Vangl-dependent Wnt/planar cell polarity signaling mediates collective breast carcinoma motility and distant metastasis. Breast Cancer Res.25 (1), 52. 10.1186/s13058-023-01651-2

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 223

  Vaupel P. Multhoff G. (2021). Revisiting the Warburg effect: historical dogma versus current understanding. J. Physiol.599 (6), 1745–1757. 10.1113/JP278810

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 224

  Voloshanenko O. Gmach P. Winter J. Kranz D. Boutros M. (2017). Mapping of Wnt-Frizzled interactions by multiplex CRISPR targeting of receptor gene families. FASEB J.31 (11), 4832–4844. 10.1096/fj.201700144R

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 225

  Wallingford J. B. (2012). Planar cell polarity and the developmental control of cell behavior in vertebrate embryos. Annu. Rev. Cell Dev. Biol.28, 627–653. 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-092910-154208

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 226

  Wang Q. Symes A. J. Kane C. A. Freeman A. Nariculam J. Munson P. et al (2010). A novel role for Wnt/Ca2+ signaling in actin cytoskeleton remodeling and cell motility in prostate cancer. PLoS One5, e10456. 10.1371/journal.pone.0010456

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 227

  Wang G. Yu Y. Wang Y. Z. Yin P. H. Xu K. Zhang H. (2020). The effects and mechanisms of isoliquiritigenin loaded nanoliposomes regulated AMPK/mTOR mediated glycolysis in colorectal cancer. Artif. Cells Nanomed Biotechnol.48 (1), 1231–1249. 10.1080/21691401.2020.1825092

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 228

  Wang B. Chen J. Caserto J. S. Wang X. Ma M. (2022a). An in situ hydrogel-mediated chemo-immunometabolic cancer therapy. Nat. Commun.13 (1), 3821. 10.1038/s41467-022-31579-8

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 229

  Wang B. Khan S. Wang P. Wang X. Liu Y. Chen J. et al (2022b). A highly selective GSK-3β inhibitor CHIR99021 promotes osteogenesis by activating canonical and autophagy-mediated wnt signaling. Front. Endocrinol. (Lausanne)13, 926622. 10.3389/fendo.2022.926622

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 230

  Wang Z. Lan H. Wang Y. Zheng Q. Li C. Wang K. et al (2024a). Pyruvate carboxylase attenuates myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in heart transplantation via Wnt/β-Catenin-Mediated glutamine metabolism. Biomedicines12 (8), 1826. 10.3390/biomedicines12081826

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 231

  Wang Q. Li S. Xu C. Wang X. Yang T. et al (2024b). Glutaminolysis inhibition boosts photodynamic therapy to eliminate cancer stem cells. Biomaterials306, 122497. 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2024.122497

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 232

  Wang J. Dong X. Lei J. Zhang Y. Chen S. He Y. (2024c). β-catenin orchestrates Gli1+ cell fate in condylar development and TMJOA. J. Dent. Res.103 (12), 1291–1301. 10.1177/00220345241274354

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 233

  Warburg O. (1956). On the origin of cancer cells. Science123, 309–314. 10.1126/science.123.3191.309

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 234

  Wei P. S. Thota N. John G. Chang E. Lee S. Wang Y. et al (2024). Enhancing RNA-lipid nanoparticle delivery: organ- and cell-specificity and barcoding strategies. J. Control Release375, 366–388. 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.08.030

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 235

  Welliver T. P. Chang S. L. Linderman J. J. Swanson J. A. (2011). Ruffles limit diffusion in the plasma membrane during macropinosome formation. J. Cell Sci.124 (23), 4106–4114. 10.1242/jcs.091538

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 236

  Williams M. L. K. Solnica-Krezel L. (2020). Cellular and molecular mechanisms of convergence and extension in zebrafish. Curr. Top. Dev. Biol.136, 377–407. 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2019.08.001

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 237

  Wise D. R. Thompson C. B. (2010). Glutamine addiction: a new therapeutic target in cancer. Trends Biochem. Sci.35, 427–433. 10.1016/j.tibs.2010.05.003

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 238

  Wise D. R. DeBerardinis R. J. Mancuso A. Sayed N. Zhang X.-Y. Pfeiffer H. K. et al (2008). Myc regulates a Transcriptional Program that stimulates mitochondrial glutaminolysis and leads to glutamine addiction. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A.105 (48), 18782–18787. 10.1073/pnas.0810199105

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 239

  Wong C. C. Xu J. Bian X. Wu J. L. Kang W. Qian Y. et al (2020). In colorectal cancer cells with mutant KRAS, SLC25A22-Mediated glutaminolysis reduces DNA demethylation to increase WNT signaling, stemness, and drug resistance. Gastroenterology159 (6), 2163–2180. 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.08.016

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 240

  Xu Y. K. Nusse R. (1998). The frizzled CRD domain is conserved in diverse proteins including several receptor tyrosine kinases. Curr. Biol.8, R405–R406. 10.1016/s0960-9822(98)70262-3

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 241

  Xu G. Zhang Q. Cheng R. Qu J. Li W. (2025). Survival strategies of cancer cells: the role of macropinocytosis in nutrient acquisition, metabolic reprogramming, and therapeutic targeting. Autophagy21 (4), 693–718. 10.1080/15548627.2025.2452149

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 242

  Yang Y. Mlodzik M. (2015). Wnt-Frizzled/planar cell polarity signaling: cellular orientation by facing the wind (Wnt). Annu. Rev. Cell Dev. Biol.31, 623–646. 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-100814-125315

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 243

  Yang K. Wang X. Zhang H. Wang Z. Nan G. Li Y. et al (2016). The evolving roles of canonical WNT signaling in stem cells and tumorigenesis: implications in targeted cancer therapies. Lab. Invest96 (2), 116–136. 10.1038/labinvest.2015.144

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 244

  Yoo H. C. Han J. M. (2022). Amino acid metabolism in cancer drug resistance. Cells11 (1), 140. 10.3390/cells11010140

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 245

  Yu J. Chen L. Cui B. Widhopf G. F. Shen Z. Wu R. et al (2016). Wnt5a induces ROR1/ROR2 heterooligomerization to enhance leukemia chemotaxis and proliferation. J. Clin. Investig.126, 585–598. 10.1172/JCI83535

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 246

  Zeng L. Fagotto F. Zhang T. Hsu W. Vasicek T. J. Perry W. L. et al (1997). The mouse fused locus encodes axin, an inhibitor of the wnt signaling pathway that regulates embryonic axis formation. Cell90 (1), 181–192. 10.1016/s0092-8674(00)80324-4

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 247

  Zhai L. Bell A. Ladomersky E. Lauing K. L. Bollu L. Sosman J. A. et al (2020). Immunosuppressive IDO in cancer: mechanisms of action, animal models, and targeting strategies. Front. Immunol.11, 1185. 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01185

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 248

  Zhang B. Shi Y. Gong A. Pan Z. Shi H. Yang H. et al (2016). HucMSC exosome-delivered 14-3-3ζ orchestrates self-control of the wnt response via modulation of YAP during cutaneous regeneration. Stem Cells34 (10), 2485–2500. 10.1002/stem.2432

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 249

  Zhang L. Zeng S. Yu Z. Zhang G. Xiong Z. Xie F. et al (2022). Overexpression of activating transcription Factor-2 (ATF-2) activates Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathways and promotes proliferation and invasion in non-small-cell lung cancer. Dis. Markers2022, 5772089. 10.1155/2022/5772089

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 250

  Zhang N. Yuan M. Wang J. (2023). LGR4: a new receptor member in endocrine and metabolic diseases. Endocr. Rev.44 (4), 647–667. 10.1210/endrev/bnad003

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 251

  Zhao F. Xiao C. Evans K. S. Theivanthiran T. DeVito N. Holtzhausen A. et al (2018). Paracrine Wnt5a-β-Catenin signaling triggers a metabolic program that drives dendritic cell tolerization. Immunity48 (1), 147–160. 10.1016/j.immuni.2017.12.004

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 252

  Zheng S. Sheng R. (2024). The emerging understanding of frizzled receptors. FEBS Lett.598 (16), 1939–1954. 10.1002/1873-3468.14903

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 253

  Zhou B. Magana L. Hong Z. Huang L. S. Chakraborty S. Tsukasaki Y. et al (2020). The angiocrine Rspondin3 instructs interstitial macrophage transition via metabolic-epigenetic reprogramming and resolves inflammatory injury. Nat. Immunol.21 (11), 1430–1443. 10.1038/s41590-020-0764-8

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 254

  Zhu X. Xu M. Leu N. A. Morrisey E. E. Millar S. E. (2023). FZD2 regulates limb development by mediating β-catenin-dependent and -independent Wnt signaling pathways. Dis. Model Mech.16 (3), dmm049876. 10.1242/dmm.049876

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 255

  Zhuang Q. Zhao B. Lin Z. Liang Y. Zhao Q. Wang Y. et al (2023). Navoximod modulates local HSV-1 replication to reshape tumor immune microenvironment for enhanced immunotherapy via an injectable hydrogel. Commun. Biol.6 (1), 621. 10.1038/s42003-023-04983-z

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 256

  Zou G. Park J. I. (2023). Wnt signaling in liver regeneration, disease, and cancer. Clin. Mol. Hepatol.29 (1), 33–50. 10.3350/cmh.2022.0058

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 257

  Zuo Q. He J. Zhang S. Wang H. Jin G. et al (2021). PPARγ Coactivator-1α suppresses metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting warburg effect by PPARγ-Dependent WNT/β-Catenin/Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase isozyme 1 axis. Hepatology73 (2), 644–660. 10.1002/hep.31280

  • CrossRef
  • Google Scholar

• 258

  Zylkiewicz E. Sokol S. Y. Hoppler S. (2014). “Wnt signaling in early vertebrate development: from fertilization to gastrulation,” in Wnt signaling in development and disease. Editors HopplerS.MoonR. T. (Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley and Sons), 251–266.

  • Google Scholar