Role of sonic hedgehog signaling pathway in the regulation of ion channels: focus on its association with cardio-cerebrovascular diseases

Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling is vital for cell differentiation and proliferation during embryonic development, yet its role in cardiac, cerebral, and vascular pathophysiology is under debate. Recent studies have demonstrated that several compounds of SHH signaling regulate ion channels, which in turn affect the behavior of target cells. Some of these ion channels are involved in the cardio-cerebrovascular system. Here, we first reviewed the SHH signaling cascades, then its interaction with ion channels, and their impact on cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. Considering the complex cross talk of SHH signaling with other pathways that also affect ion channels and their potential impact on the cardio-cerebrovascular system, we highlight the necessity of thoroughly studying the effect of SHH signaling on ion homeostasis, which could serve as a novel mechanism for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases.Graphical AbstractActivation of SHH signaling influence ion channels activity, which in turn influence ion homeostasis, membrane potential, and electrophysiology, could serve as a novel strategy for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases

Automated summary

Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling plays a crucial role in embryonic development, but its involvement in cardiac, cerebral, and vascular pathophysiology is still debated. Recent studies have shown that SHH signaling affects ion channels, which in turn influence the behavior of target cells in the cardio-cerebrovascular system. This article reviews the cascades of SHH signaling, explores its interaction with ion channels, and highlights the importance of studying its effect on ion homeostasis as a potential mechanism for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases.