Hedgehog Signaling Inhibitors in Solid and Hematological Cancers

Hedgehog (HH) signaling regulates development, cell proliferation, and tissue repair [1 –3]. In mammals, HH signaling is activated by 3 ligands: Sonic hedgehog (SHH), Indian hedgehog (IHH), or Desert hedgehog; SHH is the most widely expressed in adult tissues [3]. The primary receptor for these ligands is Patched-1 (Ptch1). In the absence of ligand, Ptch1 inhibits Smoothened (Smo) (F igure 1A); and upon ligand binding, Ptch1 inhibition is released, activating Smo, leading to activation of the glioma-associated oncogene (Gli) transcription factors Gli1, Gli2, and Gli3 (Figure 1B) [2].
Source: Cancer Treatment Reviews - Category: Cancer & Oncology Authors: Source Type: research