Sonic hedgehog protein (SHH)

Sonic hedgehog protein (SHH) is a secreted signaling molecule and morphogen critical for embryonic development and regulation of cell fate, growth, and tissue patterning[3][6]. Encoded by the SHH gene, its signaling is pivotal in forming the nervous system, limbs, and many organs. SHH is produced as a precursor cleaved into an active N-terminal ligand (Shh-N), which interacts primarily with the Patched (PTCH) membrane receptor and various regulatory proteins, initiating the Hedgehog signaling pathway essential for development[1][2][3]. Abnormal activation or mutation of SHH or pathway components is implicated in human cancers (such as basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma), holoprosencephaly, and other malformation syndromes[1][3][5]. SHH remains a central drug target, with several small-molecule inhibitors (notably SMO antagonists) developed to interfere with aberrant pathway signaling in cancer and other diseases.

Other names

SHHShhSonic hedgehog homologSonic hedgehog signaling molecule

Small-molecule inhibition of the Hedgehog pathway (e.g., SMO inhibition downstream of SHH-Patched interaction) Blockade of SHH-inducing Patched receptor activation Inhibitors that target SHH protein-protein interactions