Figure 2

A schematic diagram for the hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway. Ligands, such as Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Indian Hedgehog (Ihh), and Desert Hedgehog (Dhh), are secreted by signaling cells and bind the transmembrane receptor patched (Ptch) in HH responding cells. In the absence of ligands, Ptch binds to Smoothened (Smo) and blocks Smo's function, whereas this inhibition is relieved in the presence of ligands, and Smo initiates a signaling cascade that results in the release of transcription factors Glis from cytoplasmic proteins fused (Fu) and suppressor of fused (SuFu). In the inactive situation, SuFu prevents Glis from translocating to the nucleus; in the active situation, Fu inhibits SuFu and Glis are released. Gli proteins translocate into the nucleus and control target gene transcription. The red lines and the agents in red show the inhibitors of this pathway with potential therapeutic value.