Sonic Hedgehog

The Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) gene is a crucial part of our body’s development process. It produces a protein that acts like a signaling molecule, guiding cells on how to grow, differentiate, and organize into tissues and organs, especially during early development. Think of it as a traffic director that ensures cells go to the right place and become the right type, influencing things like limb formation and brain development. Proper functioning of SHH is vital; mutations can lead to developmental disorders or contribute to certain cancers.