The Hedgehog signaling pathway in cancer pathogenesis and therapy

Abstract

Elucidation of the hedgehog signaling pathway in Drosophila represented a series of beautiful studies in developmental biology. As is often true in science, research in one area can have a significant impact in seemingly unrelated areas. Starting with studies on genetic predisposition to cancer, it soon became clear that mutations affecting the hedgehog pathway occur in a broad spectrum of human cancers. Understanding the biology of this pathway and its role in cancer pathogenesis has also provided significant opportunities for the development of novel-targeted therapies for a variety of cancers.