Neurochemical researchSep 30, 2018

Protective roles of Sonic Hedgehog signaling in stroke-related brain damage

Updated Apr 5, 2026

Abstract

The neuroprotective effects of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in ischemic stroke are being explored for potential therapeutic strategies.

Ischemic stroke involves complex mechanisms contributing to high morbidity, mortality, and disability.
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling may play a role in various processes related to ischemic stroke, including oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.
The pathway is associated with neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, which are crucial for recovery after stroke.
Current research includes examining Shh signaling-based therapies aimed at improving outcomes in cerebral ischemic stroke.

Simplified

Ischemic stroke is characterized by high morbidity, mortality and disability rate worldwide. Because of its complexity in pathogenesis and lack of effective therapeutic strategies and drugs, great breakthrough has not yet been made in the treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke. Therefore, to explore a more effective and safer therapeutic strategy for cerebral ischemic stroke has been the focus of numerous researchers. Neuroprotective effects of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in ischemic stroke have been reported in recent studies, but have not been fully elucidated. In our review, we elaborate the roles of Shh signaling in ischemic stroke from different aspects, including oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, astrogliosis and oligodendrogenesis. Meanwhile, Shh signaling based therapeutic approaches for cerebral ischemic stroke are also included in our review. We hope it will benefit the readers to better understand the roles of Shh signaling pathway in cerebral ischemic stroke and provide more comprehensive insights for basic research and novel strategies for the clinical treatment of cerebral ischemic stroke.

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