Understanding Hedgehog Signals in the Body
Molecular mechanisms of Hedgehog receptor function
This project aims to understand how a key communication system in our bodies, called Hedgehog signaling, works at a basic level, which could lead to new ways to treat various diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11088813 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies use a special communication system called Hedgehog signaling to guide how organs form and to maintain healthy tissues. This system also plays a role in how adult stem cells grow and repair themselves. By learning more about how Hedgehog signals work, we can better understand their involvement in diseases like basal cell carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, and even conditions like COPD and inflammatory bowel disease. This knowledge helps us develop new treatments that either block or activate these signals, depending on what the body needs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions like basal cell carcinoma, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, COPD, or inflammatory bowel disease, or those interested in tissue regeneration, might find this foundational research relevant to their health.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate clinical trials or direct treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic science project, as it focuses on fundamental biological understanding.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new and more effective treatments for a range of conditions, including various cancers, lung diseases, and issues with tissue repair.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has already led to FDA-approved drugs that target the Hedgehog pathway for certain cancers, demonstrating the potential for clinical translation.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beachy, Philip a — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Beachy, Philip a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.