WIKI4 (CAS 838818-26-1)

WIKI4 is a chemical compound known primarily for its role as an inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, specifically targeting the protein Wnt-induced kinase 1 (WNK1). The Wnt signaling pathway is crucial for numerous developmental processes and cellular functions, including cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. The mechanism of action of WIKI4 involves the inhibition of WNK1, thereby disrupting the downstream signaling that leads to β-catenin stabilization and activation. By blocking WNK1, WIKI4 prevents the accumulation of β-catenin in the cytoplasm and its subsequent translocation to the nucleus, where it would normally activate transcription of Wnt target genes. This inhibition is critical for studying the effects of Wnt signaling modulation in various cellular contexts. In research, WIKI4 has been utilized to investigate the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in stem cell biology, cancer biology, and development. It serves as an important tool for dissecting the pathway′s contribution to the regulation of cell fate decisions and understanding how aberrations in Wnt signaling can lead to pathological conditions.