Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway as a potential target to inhibit the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (Review)

Kuo Shyang Jeng, Chi Juei Jeng, Wen Juei Jeng, I. Shyan Sheen, Shih Yun Li, Chuen Miin Leu, Yeou Guang Tsay, Chiung Fang Chang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

48 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. Hepatocarcinogenesis involves numerous interlinked factors and processes, including the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway, which participates in the carcinogenesis, progression, invasiveness, recurrence and cancer stem cell maintenance of HCC. The Shh signaling pathway is activated by ligands that bind to their receptor protein, Protein patched homolog (Ptch). The process of Shh ligand binding to Ptch weakens the inhibition of smoothened homolog (SMO) and activates signal transduction via glioma-associated oncogene homolog (Gli) transcription factors. The overexpression of Shh pathway molecules, including Shh, Ptch-1, Gli and SMO has been indicated in patients with HCC. It has also been suggested that the Shh signaling pathway exhibits cross-talk between numerous other signaling pathways. The inactivation of the Shh signaling pathway reduces HCC growth, increases radio-sensitivity and increases the beneficial effect of chemotherapy in HCC treatment. Therefore, inhibition of the Shh pathway may be an effective target therapy that can be used in the treatment of HCC.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)4377-4384
Number of pages8
JournalOncology Letters
Volume18
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jan 1 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cancer stem cells
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Recurrence
  • Sonic hedgehog signaling pathway

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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