The Hedgehog signalling pathway: A novel therapeutic target for cholangiocellular carcinoma

Introduction: The Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway is an important developmental pathway that is aberrant in many cancers. However, the role of this signalling pathway in the carcinogenesis of Cholangiocarcinoma (CCC) is still unknown. Aims: Here, we investigated the effects of Hh inhibition by Cyclopamine in vivo using a Xenograft mouse model and in cultured human CCC cell lines. Methods: We analyzed the effect of Cyclopamine on Xenograft tumors and the involvement of Hh in cell proliferation, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion. Results: Sonic hedgehog (SHH) ligand was highly exp…