Smoothened (SMO)

Smoothened (SMO) is a protein that acts like a switch within cells, playing a crucial role in a signaling pathway called Hedgehog. This pathway helps regulate cell growth and development during early life and tissue maintenance. When functioning properly, SMO activates other proteins, leading to gene expression that controls cell behavior. If SMO becomes overly active or its regulation is disrupted, it can contribute to abnormal cell growth, which is associated with certain cancers. Thus, SMO is important for normal development, but its misregulation can have significant implications for health.