Smoothened homolog (Drosophila)
SMO, or Smoothened, is a protein that plays a crucial role in the Hedgehog signaling pathway, which is important for cell growth, differentiation, and tissue patterning during embryonic development.
Inhibitors of SMO, such as vismodegib and sonidegib, have been developed as targeted therapies for cancers associated with aberrant Hedgehog signaling.
SMO (Smoothened):
- A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-like protein that is a critical component of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway.
- Functions in transmitting the Hedgehog signal from the cell surface to intracellular effectors, culminating in changes in gene expression.
Aberrant Activation of the Hedgehog Pathway:
- In many cancers, mutations or dysregulations in pathway components lead to ligand-independent or ligand-dependent activation of SMO.
- This inappropriate activation can result in enhanced cell proliferation, survival, and stem cell-like
Several cancers exhibit overexpression of SMO or activating mutations leading to Hedgehog pathway activation.
Smoothened (SMO) is a critical mediator of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, with aberrant activation contributing to tumor growth, progression, and resistance to therapy. High expression or activating mutations in SMO are linked with a poor prognosis in certain cancer types, particularly in cancers that are dependent on Hedgehog pathway signaling such as basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. By targeting SMO with specific inhibitors, researchers and clinicians are addressing one of the key drivers of tumorigenesis in these settings.
(Will delete Record if Target field = "Delete") Home