关键词: 信号传导, 子宫内膜异位症, 子宫内膜肿瘤, 卵巢肿瘤, Wnt信号通路

Abstract: The Wnt pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway. Meanwhile, it is a complexity network involving numerous ligands, receptors and various pathways that plays important roles in embryonic development, cell growth and multiplication of stem cell, tumor initiation. The Wnt signaling pathway as a key factor also plays  a role in regulating the development of female reproductive system. The abnormality of this pathway is associated with a variety of female reproductive system diseases and may even lead to tumors. Some experiments proved that the abnormality of the Wnt pathway is related to the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition actually plays an important role in the development and progression of tumor. This pathway is also involved in tumor metastasis, recurrence and resistance. This review is about the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in female reproductive system and its relationship with female reproductive system diseases.

Key words: Signal transduction, Endometriosis, Endometrial neoplasms, Ovarian neoplasms, Wnt signaling pathway