The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a critical signaling mechanism that plays a pivotal role in embryonic development, tissue patterning, and stem cell maintenance. It is named after the Hedgehog protein, initially identified in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). The pathway's components and functions are highly conserved across various species, including humans. Dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in the development and progression of several cancers.
