Abstract
Although the framework of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is evolutionarily conserved, recent studies indicate that fundamental differences exist between Drosophila and vertebrates in the way signals are transduced from the membrane protein Smoothened (Smo) to the Ci/Gli transcription factors. For example, Smo structure and the roles of fused and Suppressor of fused have diverged. Recently, many vertebrate-specific components have been identified that act between Smo and Gli. These include intra-flagellar transport proteins, which link vertebrate Hh signaling to cilia. Because abnormal Hh signaling can cause birth defects and cancer, these vertebrate-specific components may have roles in human health.
Publication types
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Comparative Study
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Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
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Review
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Carrier Proteins / genetics
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Carrier Proteins / metabolism
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Central Nervous System / embryology
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Central Nervous System / metabolism
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Drosophila
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Drosophila Proteins / genetics*
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Drosophila Proteins / metabolism
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Evolution, Molecular*
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Gene Expression Regulation, Developmental / genetics*
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Hedgehog Proteins
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
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Models, Biological*
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Multigene Family / genetics*
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Oncogene Proteins / genetics*
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Oncogene Proteins / metabolism
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics*
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism
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Signal Transduction / genetics*
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Smoothened Receptor
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Trans-Activators
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Transcription Factors / genetics*
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Transcription Factors / metabolism
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Vertebrates
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Zinc Finger Protein GLI1
Substances
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Carrier Proteins
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Drosophila Proteins
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Hedgehog Proteins
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
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Oncogene Proteins
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
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Smoothened Receptor
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Trans-Activators
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Transcription Factors
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Zinc Finger Protein GLI1
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smo protein, Drosophila
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hh protein, Drosophila