Abstract
The signaling protein Hedgehog (Hh) controls cell fate and polarizes tissues in both flies and vertebrates. In flies, Hh exerts its effects by opposing the function of a novel transmembrane protein, Patched, while also locally inducing patched (ptc) transcription. We have identified a mouse homolog of ptc which in many tissues is transcribed near cells making either Sonic or Indian hedgehog. In addition, ectopic Sonic hedgehog expression in the mouse central nervous system induces ptc transcription. As in flies, mouse ptc transcription appears to be indicative of hedgehog signal reception. The results support the existence of a conserved signaling pathway used for pattern formation in insects and mammals.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
MeSH terms
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Amino Acid Sequence
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Animals
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Base Sequence
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Central Nervous System / embryology
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DNA, Complementary / genetics
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Drosophila
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Drosophila Proteins*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental*
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Hedgehog Proteins
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Insect Hormones / genetics*
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Limb Buds / embryology
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Membrane Proteins / genetics*
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Mice
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Mice, Mutant Strains
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Proteins / genetics*
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RNA, Messenger / analysis
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Receptors, Cell Surface
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Sequence Homology
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Sequence Homology, Nucleic Acid
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Signal Transduction / physiology*
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Trans-Activators*
Substances
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DNA, Complementary
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Drosophila Proteins
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Hedgehog Proteins
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Insect Hormones
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Membrane Proteins
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Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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Receptors, Cell Surface
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Trans-Activators
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ptc protein, Drosophila
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hh protein, Drosophila