Abstract CN06-04: The Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Cancer

The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway played a crucial role in embryonic development and tissue repair, but its dysregulation was implicated in various cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and medulloblastoma. Mutations in pathway components like PTCH1 and SMO were linked to these cancers, while increased Hh ligand levels activated the pathway in others. Hh signaling promoted tumor cell proliferation, survival, and chemoresistance, and regulated cancer stem cells (CSCs), influencing self-renewal and differentiation. Efforts to inhibit Hh signaling led to the development of SMO antagonists like vismodegib, which showed efficacy in BCC. However, resistance and downstream mutations necessitated alternative inhibitors targeting other pathway components. Understanding Hh signaling's mechanisms and interactions with other pathways was essential for enhancing anti-tumor strategies.