Abstract
Introduction: The Sonic Hedgehog pathway regulates key processes in central nervous system development, including neuronal specification, cell migration, and precursor cell proliferation in the cerebellum. Its dysfunction is associated with various brain pathologies, including tumors such as medulloblastoma.
Materials and Methods: This article reviews the role of the Sonic Hedgehog pathway in central nervous system development and its implications in brain tumorigenesis, highlighting the molecular parallels between both processes. The review includes studies analyzing its functions in cell communication, its impact on neurodevelopment, and its specific relationship with medulloblastoma.
Results: The Sonic Hedgehog pathway facilitates cell differentiation and migration during normal development through both canonical and non-canonical signaling. In tumors such as medulloblastoma, its uncontrolled activation promotes proliferation, invasiveness, and therapy resistance, negatively affecting patient prognosis.
Discussion: The similarity in signaling mechanisms between normal development and tumorigenesis suggests that alterations in the Sonic Hedgehog pathway may reactivate embryonic developmental programs in tumor cells. Identifying modulatory factors of this pathway is crucial for developing more effective therapeutic strategies.
Conclusion: Despite differences in its regulation, the molecular parallels between embryonic development and tumorigenesis highlight the importance of studying the Sonic Hedgehog pathway. Understanding its role in both contexts opens new therapeutic perspectives for overcoming resistance in brain tumors.
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