Hedgehog and WNT Signaling Hubs in Tracheal Morphogenesis

Radiological–pathological signatures of patients with COVID-19-related pneumomediastinum: is there a role for the Sonic hedgehog and Wnt5a pathways?

“…Although pronation and high PEEP levels were presumed to be the putative causes of PM [5], the mechanism of this COVID-19 complication remains unknown. We hypothesize that sonic hedgehog (SHH) and Wnt5a signaling, crucial pathways in tracheal morphogenesis, and repair/regeneration of cartilage lesions in adulthood [6,7], could play a role in PM-related COVID-19 tracheal lesions. This study assessed the PM characteristics in hospitalised COVID-19 patients through a retrospective analysis of a prospectively collected COVID-19 database to identify the clinicalradiological and pathological signatures associated to severe SARS-CoV-2 virus infection.…”

“…Although pronation and high positive end-expiratory pressure levels were presumed to be the putative causes of pneumomediastinum [ 5 ], the mechanism of this COVID-19 complication remains unknown. We hypothesise that sonic hedgehog (SHH) and Wnt5a signalling, crucial pathways in tracheal morphogenesis, and repair/regeneration of cartilage lesions in adulthood [ 6 , 7 ], could play a role in pneumomediastinum-related COVID-19 tracheal lesions.…”