Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) Pathway

The Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway is a critical communication system in the body that guides the development of tissues and organs during growth. It involves a protein called Sonic Hedgehog, which signals cells to grow, differentiate, or move to specific locations. When SHH binds to its receptors on cell surfaces, it activates a cascade of signals that influence gene activity, shaping the formation of the nervous system, limbs, and other structures. Proper functioning of this pathway is essential for normal development; disruptions can lead to developmental disorders or contribute to certain cancers.