Applications of Biotechnology in Neurology by Kewal K. Jain

Author:Kewal K. Jain
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Humana Press, Totowa, NJ

Hedgehog Family of Inducing Proteins

Vertebrate hedgehog genes comprise a small family with potent ­development-inducing abilities. Three members of human family hedgehog proteins are known: (1) Sonic, (2) Indian, and (3) Desert. Each of these has a distinct expression pattern in the embryo and the adult. Hedgehog signaling proteins induce cells to develop from a precursor state to a more functional state. They have been involved in the patterning and growth of vertebrate neural tube. Sonic hedgehog has neurotrophic and ­neuroprotective effects and is involved in the early development of the motor ­neurons, whereas the survival of motor neurons at later stages of embryonic ­development requires other neurotrophic factors. Amino-terminal product of Sonic hedgehog autoproteolysis (also called Shh-N) is an inductive signal expressed by floor plate cells that can induce dopaminergic neurons in vitro. Shh-N can function in a dose-dependent manner to induce different cell types within the neural tube. These results provide the basis for potential cell transplantation therapy for Parkinson disease. The expression and known embryologic activities suggest the possibility of clinical application of Sonic hedgehog proteins in neurologic disease.

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