[Frontiers in Bioscience 16, 2259-2270, June 1, 2011]

[Frontiers in Bioscience 16, 2259-2270, June 1, 2011]

RAS and Hedgehog - partners in crime

Matthias Lauth

Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Philipps University, 35037 Marburg, Germany

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. RAS signaling: 3.1. RAS and cancer
4. The Hedgehog signaling pathway: 4.1. Hedgehog and cancer
5. The RAS-HH crosstalk: 5.1. Molecular crosstalk between RAS and HH; 5.2. The DYRK family of kinases - mediators of the RAS/HH crosstalk?; 5.3. Functional implications of a RAS-HH crosstalk
6. Summary
7. Perspective
8. Acknowledgements
9. References

1. ABSTRACT

Both RAS and Hedgehog (HH) pathway activation can be found in approximately one third of all cancers. In many cases, this activation occurs in the same tumor types, suggesting a positive impact of a simultaneous activation of RAS and HH on tumor development. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge about the molecular and functional crosstalk of RAS and HH signaling in the development of hyperproliferative disease.