The role of Smoothened and Hh signaling in neovascularization

Abstract

New vessel formation plays a key role not only in physiological processes such as embryonic development and wound repair but also during several pathological situations. In this respect, favoring neovascularization represents a promising therapeutic approach that would allow inducing tissue repair. Among the candidate proteins able to modulate neovascularization, evidence show that the administration of recombinant hedgehog (Hh) protein, gene, or cell therapy based on Hh transfer or using extracellular vesicles as vectors enhance new vessel formation. Here, we summarized the role of Hh pathway on angiogenesis and its therapeutic potential during myocardial infarction and diabetes