Abstract
The Hedgehog-Gli (Hh-Gli) signaling pathway controls many aspects of tissue patterning, cell proliferation, differentiation and regeneration and regulates cell number in various organs. In adults, the Hh-Gli pathway remains active in a number of stem cells and regenerating tissues. Inappropriate and uncontrolled HH-GLI pathway activation has been demonstrated in a variety of human cancers. Three recent papers show that components of the pathway are expressed in human prostate tumors and, more importantly, that prostate cancers depend on sustained HH-GLI signaling. These data raise the possibility of a new therapeutic approach to treat this often lethal disease.
Publication types
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antibodies / therapeutic use
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Cell Differentiation / drug effects
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Cell Differentiation / physiology
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Hedgehog Proteins
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Humans
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Male
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Prostatic Neoplasms / drug therapy
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Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism*
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RNA, Small Interfering / therapeutic use
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Signal Transduction / drug effects
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Signal Transduction / physiology*
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Stem Cells / physiology
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Trans-Activators / antagonists & inhibitors
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Trans-Activators / metabolism*
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Transcription Factors / metabolism*
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Veratrum Alkaloids / therapeutic use
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Zinc Finger Protein GLI1
Substances
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Antibodies
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GLI1 protein, human
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Hedgehog Proteins
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RNA, Small Interfering
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Trans-Activators
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Transcription Factors
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Veratrum Alkaloids
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Zinc Finger Protein GLI1
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cyclopamine