Identification and development of modulators of the Hedgehog signaling pathway

OVERVIEW

Among the components of the Hedgehog signaling pathway, the research group has focused particularly on the Smoothened protein and the GLI-1 effector. Molecular modeling techniques applied to these macromolecules have enabled the identification of a class of highly potent Smoothened (Smo) inhibitors and a second class of compounds capable of blocking GLI-1 activity. Some Smoothened agonists have also proven interesting and are being studied in regenerative processes initiated by osteoblast activation.