Hedgehog signalling in the tumourigenesis and metastasis of osteosarcoma, and its potential value in the clinical therapy of osteosarcoma

Cell Death Dis. 2018 Jun 13;9(6):701. doi: 10.1038/s41419-018-0647-1.

Abstract

The Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway is involved in cell differentiation, growth and tissue polarity. This pathway is also involved in the progression and invasion of various human cancers. Osteosarcoma, a subtype of bone cancer, is commonly seen in children and adolescents. Typically, pulmonary osteosarcoma metastases are especially difficult to control. In the present paper, we summarise recent studies on the regulation of osteosarcoma progression and metastasis by downregulating Hh signalling. We also summarise the crosstalk between the Hh pathway and other cancer-related pathways in the tumourigenesis of various cancers. We further summarise and highlight the therapeutic value of potential inhibitors of Hh signalling in the clinical therapy of human cancers.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Carcinogenesis / metabolism*
  • Carcinogenesis / pathology*
  • Hedgehog Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Osteosarcoma / metabolism*
  • Osteosarcoma / pathology*
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • Hedgehog Proteins