The Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Emerges as a Pathogenic Target

Journal of Developmental Biology

Margery G. Smelkinson¹ 

[1] Biological Imaging Section, Research Technologies Branch, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;

关键词: Hedgehog;    Gli;    influenza;    Epstein Barr virus;    Hepatitis B and C;    HIV;    H. pylori;    fibrosis;    immunity;   

DOI  :  10.3390/jdb5040014

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays an essential role in the growth, development, and homeostatis of many tissues in vertebrates and invertebrates. Much of what is known about Hh signaling is in the context of embryonic development and tumor formation. However, a growing body of evidence is emerging indicating that Hh signaling is also involved in postnatal processes such as tissue repair and adult immune responses. To that extent, Hh signaling has also been shown to be a target for some pathogens that presumably utilize the pathway to control the local infected environment. In this review, we discuss what is currently known regarding pathogenic interactions with Hh signaling and speculate on the reasons for this pathway being a target. We also hope to shed light on the possibility of using small molecule modulators of Hh signaling as effective therapies for a wider range of human diseases beyond their current use in a limited number of cancers.

【 授权许可】

Unknown