'Hedgehog' encodes a
secreted protein that is involved in establishing cell fates at several points during Drosophila development. There are 3
known mammalian homologs of hh: Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Indian hedgehog (Ihh), and desert hedgehog
(Dhh).
General function
Ligand, Growth factor
Comment
Zhang Y, et al 2001 reported that Hedgehog acts as a somatic stem cell factor in the Drosophila
ovary.
Secreted signalling molecules of the Hedgehog (Hh) family have many essential
patterning roles during development of diverse organisms including Drosophila
and humans. Although Hedge hog proteins most commonly affect cell fate,
they can also stimulate cell proliferation, In humans several distinctive
cancers, including basal-cell carcinoma, result from mutations that aberrantly
activate Hh signal transduction. In Drosophila, Hh directly stimulates
proliferation of ovarian somatic cells.