Hedgehog

Hedgehog is a signaling pathway that plays a crucial role in the development of organisms. It is named after the Hedgehog gene family, which was first identified in fruit flies. The Hedgehog signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of cell growth, cell specialization, and the normal shaping of the body. Abnormal activation of this pathway can lead to diseases, including cancer.

Function

The Hedgehog signaling pathway is one of the key regulators of animal development conserved from insects to humans. The pathway takes its name from its polypeptide ligand, an intercellular signaling molecule called Hedgehog (Hh) found in fruit flies of the genus Drosophila. Hedgehog signaling at the anterior-posterior axis of limb buds has been studied extensively and the pathway also plays a crucial role in the growth of digits on limbs and organization of the brain.

Role in Disease

Abnormal activation of the Hedgehog pathway can lead to diseases, including cancer. Mutations that lead to the continuous activation of this pathway cause basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of cancer, and also contribute to the development of a type of brain cancer called medulloblastoma.

Therapeutic Target

Because of its role in disease, the Hedgehog signaling pathway is seen as a promising target for new drugs. Several inhibitors of the pathway are currently being tested in clinical trials for their ability to treat various types of cancer.

See Also

• Cancer
• Medulloblastoma
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Hedgehog signaling pathway

References

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