Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026

15:01
Peering into the Dynamics of Social Interactions: Measuring Play Fighting in Rats
Published on: January 18, 2013
RAS and Hedgehog--partners in crime
1Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Philipps University, 35037 Marburg, Germany. lauth@imt.unimarburg.de
Frontiers in Bioscience (Landmark Edition)
|May 31, 2011
Summary
RAS and Hedgehog (HH) pathways are active in a third of cancers. Their simultaneous activation may promote tumor development, suggesting a link between these signaling pathways in hyperproliferative diseases.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- RAS and Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathways are frequently activated in human cancers.
- Co-activation of RAS and HH pathways occurs in similar tumor types, indicating potential synergistic roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the molecular and functional crosstalk between RAS and HH signaling.
- To elucidate the role of this crosstalk in the development of hyperproliferative diseases.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating RAS and HH pathway interactions.
- Analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying pathway crosstalk.
- Examination of functional consequences in cancer development.
Main Results:
- RAS and HH pathways exhibit complex crosstalk, influencing each other's activity.
- This crosstalk contributes to tumor initiation, progression, and resistance to therapy.
- Specific molecular interactions and signaling nodes have been identified.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between RAS and HH signaling is a critical factor in hyperproliferative diseases.
- Targeting the crosstalk between these pathways may offer novel therapeutic strategies.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and exploit this crosstalk for cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
The Hedgehog gene (Hh) was first discovered due to its control of the growth of disorganized, hair-like bristles phenotype in Drosophila, much like hedgehog spines. Hh plays a crucial role in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, while Drosophila has only one Hh protein, mammals have multiple functional Hedgehog proteins - Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh), and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh). All of these homologous proteins have adapted to...
Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
The Hedgehog gene (Hh) was first discovered due to its control of the growth of disorganized, hair-like bristles phenotype in Drosophila, much like hedgehog spines. Hh plays a crucial role in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, while Drosophila has only one Hh protein, mammals have multiple functional Hedgehog proteins - Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh), and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh). All of these homologous proteins have adapted to...
Rabies
Rabies is a lethal zoonotic disease caused by a single-stranded, negative-sense RNA virus of the Lyssavirus genus, within the family Rhabdoviridae. Its primary mode of transmission to humans is through bites or saliva-contaminated scratches from infected mammals such as dogs, bats, raccoons, or foxes. Transmission can also occur if infectious saliva contacts abraded skin or intact mucous membranes, including the conjunctiva.Viral Entry and Early ReplicationOnce introduced at the bite or scratch...
The Ras Gene
The Ras-gene-encoded proteins are regulators of signaling pathways controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, or cell survival. The Ras-gene family in humans constitutes three primary members—the HRas, NRas, and KRas. These genes code for four functionally distinct yet closely related proteins—the HRas, NRas, KRas4A, and KRas4B. The involvement of mutant Ras genes in human cancer was first discovered in 1982 and is among the most common causes of human tumorigenesis.
Ras is a superfamily...
Ras is a superfamily...
The Ras Gene
The Ras-gene-encoded proteins are regulators of signaling pathways controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, or cell survival. The Ras-gene family in humans constitutes three primary members—the HRas, NRas, and KRas. These genes code for four functionally distinct yet closely related proteins—the HRas, NRas, KRas4A, and KRas4B. The involvement of mutant Ras genes in human cancer was first discovered in 1982 and is among the most common causes of human tumorigenesis.
Ras is a superfamily...
Ras is a superfamily...
Robbers Cave
During the 1950s, the landmark Robbers Cave experiment demonstrated that when groups must compete with one another, intergroup conflict, hostility, and even violence may result. At the Oklahoman summer camp, two troops of boys—termed the Rattlers and the Eagles—took part in a week-long tournament. During this time, their negativity culminated in derogatory name-calling, fistfights, and even vandalism and destruction of property. However, this work also revealed that such tension could be...

