The Role of “Hedgehog Signaling” in AML

Abstract

The Hedgehog (Hh) signal transduction pathway is involved in diverse physiological processes such as cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, embryonic development, and fetal determination. Perturbations in this pathway leading to its aberrant activation have been implicated in various cancers including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AML is a highly complex hematological malignancy resulting due to accumulation of abnormal myeloblasts in the bone marrow leading to bone marrow failure and ultimately death. Recently, the role of hedgehog signaling in AML pathogenesis has been uncovered and thus pharmacological targeting of the hedgehog pathway in AML has become a prime therapeutic option. In this mini-review, we highlight the role of the hedgehog pathway in AML and review the latest drugs as well as possible Hh targets in treating AML.