Developmental Signals - Sonic hedgehog
Introduction
(SHH) A secreted growth factor that binds patched (ptc) receptor on cell membrane. This protein has many different functions in different tissues of the developing embryo, the main role would be of establishing "pattern". SHH name derives from homology to the original fruitfly (drosophila) "hedgehog" mutation, where these flies have hairs located in regions (ventral) which are normally hair-free, and therefore have a disrupted body pattern.
Nomenclature note lower case shh for other species, upper case SHH in humans.
Functions
Developmental patterning signal.
Neural
SHH is secreted by the notochord, ventralizes the neural tube, inducing the floor plate and motor neurons.
- neural crest cell survival in the foregut endoderm of jaw development PNAS
Limb
SHH is secreted by the zone of polarizing activity (ZPA) organizing limb axis formation.
Other
SHH has still others roles in organ development in lung, pancreas.
Links
- UNSW Embryology - Molecular Factors - sonic hedgehog | Molecular Notes | Musculoskeletal Notes | Neural Notes
- OMIM - SONIC HEDGEHOG
Cite this page: Hill, M.A. (2024, April 24) Embryology Developmental Signals - Sonic hedgehog. Retrieved from https://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/embryology/index.php/Developmental_Signals_-_Sonic_hedgehog
- © Dr Mark Hill 2024, UNSW Embryology ISBN: 978 0 7334 2609 4 - UNSW CRICOS Provider Code No. 00098G