Understanding Sonic Hedgehog Signals in Health and Disease
Mechanisms of Sonic Hedgehog Signal Transduction
This research explores how a vital cell communication pathway, called Sonic Hedgehog, works in our bodies and how its malfunction can lead to certain cancers and developmental conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11158617 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies rely on a communication system called the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway to guide development and maintain healthy tissues. When this pathway doesn't work correctly, it can cause developmental problems like Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome or contribute to cancers such as basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. This project aims to uncover the exact molecular steps that control the SHH pathway. By understanding how SHH signals are released, received by cells, and translated into actions, we hope to find new ways to correct its activity when it goes wrong. This knowledge could lead to new treatments for diseases linked to SHH pathway issues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but focuses on understanding the underlying biology relevant to individuals with Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome, basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma, and related developmental disorders.
Not a fit: Patients not affected by conditions related to the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for medications to treat developmental disorders and cancers caused by problems with the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway.
How similar studies have performed: Research into the Sonic Hedgehog pathway has already led to approved therapies for some cancers, indicating the potential for further therapeutic advancements from this line of inquiry.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ogden, Stacey Kathryn — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ogden, Stacey Kathryn
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.