Inhibition of SHH signaling pathway: molecular treatment strategy of odontogenic keratocyst

Med Hypotheses. 2006;67(5):1242-4. doi: 10.1016/j.mehy.2006.04.062. Epub 2006 Jun 27.

Abstract

Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a relatively common cystic lesion occurred in the tooth-bearing areas of the jaws. This entity is thought to arise from the dental lamina or its remnant with significant growth capacity and recurrence potential. The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway plays a critical role in tooth development. Patched (PTCH) combines with Smoothened (SMO) to form a receptor complex for SHH ligand. Mutations in the PTCH resulting in aberrant activation of SHH signaling pathway were identified as the underlying genetic event of both sporadic and syndrome-related OKCs. We postulate that any strategy to develop antagonists of active receptor, transcriptional factors of SHH signaling pathway will be an effective treatment for OKC. These strategies include reintroducing a wild-type form of PTCH, inhibition of the SMO molecule by synthetic small antagonists and suppression of the downstream transcription factors of the SHH signaling pathway. It seems that inhibition of SMO by intracystic injection of antagonist protein of SMO is the most potential treatment choice.

MeSH terms

  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / etiology
  • Cell Division
  • Hedgehog Proteins / genetics
  • Hedgehog Proteins / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Jaw / pathology
  • Jaw / physiopathology
  • Mutation
  • Odontogenic Cysts / genetics
  • Odontogenic Cysts / pathology
  • Odontogenic Cysts / physiopathology*
  • Odontogenic Cysts / therapy*
  • Recurrence
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • SHH protein, human