Involvement of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway in heterotopic ossification and ossification-related diseases

Heterotopic ossification (HO) is a pathological condition characterized by the formation of bone within soft tissues. The development of HO is a result of abnormal activation of the bone formation programs, where multiple signalling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, BMP and hedgehog signalling, are involved. The Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, a conserved pathway essential for various fundamental activities, has been found to play a significant role in pathological bone formation processes. It regulates angiogenesis, chondrocyte hypertrophy and osteoblast differentiation during the development of HO. More importantly, the crosstalk between Wnt signalling and other factors including BMP, Hedgehog signalling, YAP may contribute in a HO-favourable manner. Moreover, several miRNAs may also be involved in HO formation via the regulation of Wnt signalling. This review aims to summarize the role of Wnt/β-catenin signalling in the pathogenesis of HO, its interactions with related molecules, and potential preventive and therapeutic measures targeting Wnt/β-catenin signalling.