Figure 7.
Schematic representation of mechanisms underlying crosstalk between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and insulin signaling via Irs1 during hepatocarcinogenesis. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is activated during hepatocarcinogenesis due to somatic mutations of various genes related to Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling upregulates Irs1 gene and protein expression. Upregulated Irs1, but not Irs2, enhances insulin signaling including Akt pathway and promotes the progression of HCC.