Abstract
The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, which is almost completely silenced in normal adult tissues but highly activated in cancer, offers ideal drug targets for small molecule development. During the last few years, several studies have indicated that the Hh pathway plays a role in tumor development and maintenance, and novel drugs inhibiting Hh signaling have been discovered. Although results from clinical trials in patients harboring activating mutations of Hh have been promising, there are many controversies regarding the role of the pathway in tumors that demonstrate ligand over-expression without identified mutations. In this review, we focus on the function and expression of the Hh pathway in different tumors and discuss the targeting approaches tested in preclinical and clinical studies.
Keywords: Cancer, hedgehog pathway, target therapy.
Graphical Abstract
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Title:Hijacking the Hedgehog Pathway in Cancer Therapy
Volume: 16 Issue: 3
Author(s): Mikko O. Laukkanen and Maria Domenica Castellone
Affiliation:
Keywords: Cancer, hedgehog pathway, target therapy.
Abstract: The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, which is almost completely silenced in normal adult tissues but highly activated in cancer, offers ideal drug targets for small molecule development. During the last few years, several studies have indicated that the Hh pathway plays a role in tumor development and maintenance, and novel drugs inhibiting Hh signaling have been discovered. Although results from clinical trials in patients harboring activating mutations of Hh have been promising, there are many controversies regarding the role of the pathway in tumors that demonstrate ligand over-expression without identified mutations. In this review, we focus on the function and expression of the Hh pathway in different tumors and discuss the targeting approaches tested in preclinical and clinical studies.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Laukkanen O. Mikko and Castellone Domenica Maria, Hijacking the Hedgehog Pathway in Cancer Therapy, Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 2016; 16 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871520615666151007160439
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1871520615666151007160439 |
Print ISSN 1871-5206 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5992 |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Deregulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathways by Isoflavones and its Implication in Cancer Treatment
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry A Systems Biology Road Map for the Discovery of Drugs Targeting Cancer Cell Metabolism
Current Pharmaceutical Design Pharmacogenomics – Implications in the Development of HIV-Associated Brain Disease
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Electroporation Gene Therapy Preclinical and Clinical Trials for Melanoma
Current Gene Therapy Dendrimers in Therapy for Breast and Colorectal Cancer
Current Medicinal Chemistry Blockade of Furin Activity and Furin-Induced Tumor Cells Malignant Phenotypes By The Chemically Synthesized Human Furin Prodomain
Current Medicinal Chemistry Epigenetic Therapies of Cancer
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews Impaired Expression and Function of Cancer-Related Enzymes by Anthocyans: An Update
Current Enzyme Inhibition Apoptosis in Physiological and Pathological Skin: Implications for Therapy
Current Molecular Medicine Breast Cancer Stem Cells and Intrinsic Subtypes: Controversies Rage On
Current Stem Cell Research & Therapy Endogenous Events Modulating Myogenic Regulation of Cerebrovascular Function
Current Vascular Pharmacology Cancer and Treatment Modalities
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews Role of Phase II Drug Metabolizing Enzymes in Cancer Chemoprevention
Current Drug Metabolism Lipid Mediator Profiling in Pulmonary Disease
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Protein Secretome Analysis of Evolving and Responding Tumor Ecosystems
Current Proteomics From 2D to 3D - a New Dimension for Modelling the Effect of Natural Products on Human Tissue
Current Pharmaceutical Design Gene Therapy to Improve High-Density Lipoprotein Metabolism and Function
Current Pharmaceutical Design A New Approach for β-cyclodextrin Conjugated Drug Delivery System in Cancer Therapy
Current Drug Delivery Oxidative Metabolism of Endocannabinoids by COX-2
Current Pharmaceutical Design Recombinant Snake Venom Cystatin Inhibits Tumor Angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo Associated with Downregulation of VEGF-A165, Flt-1 and bFGF
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry