The hedgehog pathway as a therapeutic target for treatment of breast cancer

Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2009 Jul;116(2):239-46. doi: 10.1007/s10549-009-0423-0. Epub 2009 May 29.

Abstract

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a key role in a variety of processes, such as embryogenesis and maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis. It is also becoming increasingly clear that this pathway can have a crucial role in tumorigenesis. Most recently, the Hh signaling pathway has been implicated in the development and maintenance of breast cancer. Here we review Hh signaling, advances in small molecule and antibody-based inhibitors targeting the Hh pathway, and dysregulation of the Hh signaling pathway in breast cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Hedgehog Proteins / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*

Substances

  • Hedgehog Proteins