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Updated: May 24, 2026
12:24
Mimicking the Function of Signaling Proteins: Toward Artificial Signal Transduction Therapy
Published on: September 29, 2016
Sonic Hedgehog signaling and potential therapeutic indications
Nicholas C Bambakidis1, Kaine Onwuzulike
1Department of Neurological Surgery, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Vitamins and Hormones
|March 7, 2012
Summary
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is crucial for neurodevelopment and has potential therapeutic applications. Modulating Shh may help treat central nervous system (CNS) injuries like spinal cord injury and cerebral cortical ischemia.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is a key glycoprotein in the central nervous system (CNS).
- Shh plays a vital role in neurodevelopment by inducing neural precursor and stem cells.
- Its signaling pathway is initiated by binding to the Patched (PTC) receptor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the Shh signaling mechanism.
- To review the impact of Shh in neurological disorders.
- To explore Shh's role in neuroprotection and CNS injury.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Shh signaling.
- Analysis of Shh's role in neurodevelopmental processes.
- Examination of Shh's implications in neuro-oncology and CNS injury models.
Main Results:
- Shh signaling cascade affects multiple organ systems.
- Research indicates Shh's tumor suppressive effects and implications in germline mutations.
- Modulating Shh shows potential in animal models of spinal cord injury and cerebral cortical ischemia.
Conclusions:
- Shh signaling is fundamental to CNS development.
- Dysregulation of Shh is implicated in neurological disorders and cancer.
- Targeting Shh pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies for CNS injury.
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