Abstract: Aromatic compounds for treating various diseases and pathologies are disclosed. The methods use of such compounds are also provided. Accordingly, the present invention makes available methods and compositions for inhibiting aberrant growth states resulting from hedgehog gain-of-function, ptc loss-of-function or smoothened gain-of-function.

Abstract: The methods of the invention allow extremely high throughput screening of chemicals against a large number of pharmacologically relevant targets. All of the pharmacologically relevant targets are expressed in cells, which are then screened against a fluorescently-tagged combinatorial library. Binding of the small molecules to the cells is then detected by fluorescence activated cell sorting or imaging.

Abstract: The present invention makes available methods and reagents for inhibiting aberrant growth states resulting from hedgehog gain-of-function, ptc loss-of-function or smoothened gain-of-function comprising contacting the cell with a hedgehog antagonist, such as a small molecule, in a sufficient amount to aberrant growth state, e.g., to agonize a normal ptc pathway or antagonize smoothened or hedgehog activity. Such methods and reagents may also inhibit the hedgehog pathway in normal cells, e.g., where normal levels of hedgehog signalling are unwanted.