Targeting WNT/β-catenin via modulating EZH2 function – a new chapter in the treatment of β-catenin mutant hepatocellular carcinoma?

In a recent study, Rialdi and colleagues identified a specific vulnerability in β-catenin mutant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) via EZH2-mediated suppression of WNT signaling and revealed the selective anti-HCC activity of WNTinib, a chemical derivative of regorafenib and sorafenib in targeting this vulnerability. Their discoveries highlight the role of EZH2 in modulating WNT signaling and suggest an implication of WNTinihb as a small-molecule inhibitor for the treatment of HCC with activated WNT/β-catenin.