Description
Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is a member of the Hedgehog (Hh) family of highly conserved proteins which are widely represented throughout the animal kingdom. In mammal, there are three related Hh proteins, Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh) and Indian (Ihh). They share a high degree of amino-acid sequence identity (e.g., Shh and Ihh are 93% identical). Sonic Hedgehog plays a role in cell growth, cell specialization, and the normal shaping (patterning) of the body. Shh is also important for development of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system), eyes, limbs, and many other parts of the body.