Hypothesis Illustration (IMAGE) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Caption Novel mechanism in diseases: zinc deficiency can enhance Hedgehog (Hh) ligand production and activate Hh signal pathway. Zinc deficiency is well known in prostate cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer and autism, where Hh activation is also observed, but a mechanistic link between zinc and Hh has never been previously demonstrated. Credit RPI Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.