Development of anticancer agents targeting the Hedgehog signaling

Cell Mol Life Sci. 2017 Aug;74(15):2773-2782. doi: 10.1007/s00018-017-2497-x. Epub 2017 Mar 17.

Abstract

Hedgehog signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway which is essential in embryonic and postnatal development as well as adult organ homeostasis. Abnormal regulation of Hedgehog signaling is implicated in many diseases including cancer. Consequently, substantial efforts have made in the past to develop potential therapeutic agents that specifically target the Hedgehog signaling for cancer treatment. Here, we review the therapeutic agents for inhibition of the Hedgehog signaling and their clinical advances in cancer treatment.

Keywords: Cancer; Drugs; Hedgehog signaling; Patched; Safety and clinic; Small molecules; Smothern; Therapeutic.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Drug Discovery
  • Hedgehog Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Hedgehog Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / drug effects
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Neoplastic Stem Cells / pathology
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*
  • Small Molecule Libraries / chemistry*
  • Small Molecule Libraries / pharmacology*
  • Small Molecule Libraries / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • Small Molecule Libraries