Chondrosarcoma is a malignant cartilage tumor that may arise from benign precursor lesions, such as enchondromas. Some cases of multiple enchondromas are caused by a mutation that results in constitutive activation of Hedgehog-mediated signaling. We found that chondrosarcomas expressed high levels of the Hedgehog target genes PTCH1 and GLI1.

The following article is the third in this series. It There are many crucial genes and signaling pathways in the proper development of an organism. Pathologies may arise from a deregulation of these pathways. The Indian Hedgehog-PTH-related protein (Ihh-PTHrP) pathway is vital in the proper development of endochondral bones, such as the long bones. The Ihh-PTHrP pathway regulates the rate at which chondrocytes within the growth plate proliferate and differentiate. Thus, this pathway allows for the longitudinal growth of bones. However, a disruption in this pathway may lead to enchondromas and osteochondromas, which are both childhood cartilaginous neoplasms. Recently, our lab identified a mutant receptor for PTHrP in enchondroma samples. Mice expressing this mutant receptor and mice with increased Ihh activity develop conditions similar to human enchondromatosis. Linkage analysis shows an association between EXT genes and osteochondromas in hereditary multiple exostoses syndrome. Studies in Drosophila and mice suggest EXT gene products play a role in the diffusion of hedgehog proteins. A mutation in EXT genes may result in an abnormal Ihh diffusion pattern leading to an osteochondroma. There are agents that inhibit Hedgehog signaling. These agents may be useful in the treatment of enchondromas and osteochondromas. This review will discuss the discovery of the Ihh-PTHrP pathway and its involvement in neoplasia, and will suggest possible novel therapeutic agents in the treatment of these cartilaginous neoplasms. The coordinated control of genes and signaling pathways allows for the growth, movement, and death of cells, resulting in the proper development of an organism. Later in life, cells in pathologic processes may use these same pathways, disrupting homeostasis (1). Understanding the deregulation of these pathways in pathologic processes will not only advance our understanding of pathophysiology, but may also suggest novel therapeutic approaches (1). Recent studies have elucidated pathways important in regulating endochondral bone growth and how deregulation of these pathways leads to the development of cartilaginous neoplasia. In this review, we will dem-