LNCaP human prostate cancer cells genetically engineered to overexpress Shh (designated LNShh cells) upregulated the expression of Shh-responsive target genes Gli1 and Ptc1 in co-cultured MC3T3 mouse pre-osteoblasts and this action was inhibited by cyclopamine, a specific chemical inhibitor of hedgehog signalling, and mimicked by exogenous Shh peptide. Here, PTCH1 is linked to prostate carcinoma.