Role of Tcf in Body Axis Formation : Discovery of a Dual Action of XTCF-3 in Xenopus Body Axis Formation

A novel role of TCF family in body axis formation. Revolutionary high impact discoveries are described, elucidating the missing link in the Wnt pathway and protein-TCF combinations with dual functions. By studying the primary axis formation of Xenopus laevis, it was firstly shown that, in combination with beta-catenin, TCF acts as a potent activator of proto-oncogenes. Secondly, it was discovered that in combination with the Groucho family of proteins, TCF acts as suppressor of oncogene transcription. Stronlgy suggesting that TCF controls oncogene transcription in a dual fashion. These discoveries contributed to the origination of a major area of cancer research and opened multiple angles for cancer therapy development.