Embryonic Developmental Signaling Pathways in Normal and Disease States

Cellular proliferation, specification, movement and rearrangement, and the signaling pathways that drive these events, are associated with both normal embryonic development and disease states. Developmental signaling pathways, including Wnt, Notch, transformation growth factor β (TGF β) and Hedgehog, regulate these cellular behaviors and processes. Dysregulation and hyperactivity of these developmental signaling pathways have been broadly implicated in driving and aiding growth and progression in many cancers and developmental disorders. Mechanistic understanding of how these signaling pathways function and interconnect will not only provide insight into fundamental developmental processes but also help identify new therapeutic targets for cancer and genetic diseases.

We welcome original research and review articles that address the functions and mechanisms of developmental signaling pathways during normal embryonic development and how they are deregulated in disease states. Specific sub-topics to be covered are:

- Cross talk between developmental pathways in embryonic development
- Role of Non-canonical Wnt signaling in cancer
- Role of Non-canonical Wnt signaling in embryonic development and congenital disorders
- Notch signaling in immune cell regulation
- Wnt signaling in the tumor microenvironment
- Developmental signaling pathways and Epithelial-mesenchymal transition
- Developmental signaling pathways in Tissue Fibrosis
- Hedgehog signaling in developmental disorders and cancer
- Emerging approaches to study developmental signaling pathways in vitro