Inhibiting Hedgehog: An Update on Pharmacological Compounds and Targeting Strategies

J Med Chem. 2019 Sep 26;62(18):8392-8411. doi: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00188. Epub 2019 Apr 24.

Abstract

Important steps in embryonic development are governed by the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, an evolutionary conserved signal transduction cascade. However, Hh activity not only is crucial during embryo formation but also is involved in adult tissue repair and in several malignancies. Particularly due to its link to cancer, small molecule Hh pathway inhibitors have been developed and the first compounds have been approved for use in Hh-driven basal cell carcinoma. Almost all advanced Hh inhibitors target the critical signaling component Smoothened (SMO), but preclinical research has identified additional compounds that can block the Hh pathway along its entire signaling cascade, which, in light of emerging drug resistance occurring with SMO inhibitors, is of high importance. Herein we give an overview on currently known Hh pathway inhibitors, delineating their respective strengths and weaknesses and describing potential drug targeting strategies to interfere with Hh signaling in different cancer settings.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Carcinoma, Basal Cell / drug therapy
  • Drug Approval
  • Drug Design
  • Hedgehog Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects*
  • Smoothened Receptor / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Veratrum Alkaloids / pharmacology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • Ligands
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • SMO protein, human
  • Smoothened Receptor
  • Veratrum Alkaloids
  • cyclopamine