WNT3a induces external anal sphincter fibrosis and dysfunction in rabbits

American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology 2026 Open access

Read full text
Authors: Jagadeesh Thippeswamy, Merlin Mamachan, Jennifer Shin, Sushma Halekote Rudramurthy, Manesh Kumar Panner Selvam, Mahadevan Rajasekaran, Ravinder K. Mittal
DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00349.2025
Cited by: 0
References: 69

Abstract

In the current study, for the first time we investigated the effects of a local injection of Wnt3a-an agonist of the WNT signaling pathway-on EAS function, muscle replacement by fibrosis, and the activation of downstream WNT signaling pathways. Wnt3a injection resulted in impaired EAS function and replacement of muscle with fibrosis. Notably, the downstream signaling remained active even 8 wk after the Wnt3a injection.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Gastrointestinal motility and disorders Pelvic floor disorders treatments Wnt/β-catenin signaling in development and cancer

Publication details

Journal / source
American Journal of Physiology-Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology
Volume
330
Issue
3
Pages
G349–G360
Publication date
12 February 2026
Language
EN