Small-molecule modulators of Hh and Wnt signaling pathways.

Hedgehog (Hh) and Wnt signaling pathways play key roles in growth and patterning during embryonic development and in the postembryonic regulation of stem cell number in the epithelia. Numerous studies link aberrant modulation of these pathways to specific human diseases. This article focuses on general aspects of Hh and Wnt signal transduction and biologic molecules involved in the respective signaling cascades. Specifically, the authors summarize small-molecule modulators of both pathways that show promise as therapeutic modalities.