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Hoffmann, R. A wiki for the life sciences where authorship matters. Nature Genetics (2008)
 
 
 
 
 

Dispatched, a novel sterol-sensing domain protein dedicated to the release of cholesterol-modified hedgehog from signaling cells.

Members of the Hedgehog (Hh) family of secreted signaling proteins function as potent short-range organizers in animal development. Their range of action is limited by a C-terminal cholesterol tether and the upregulation of Patched (Ptc) receptor levels. Here we identify a novel segment-polarity gene in Drosophila, dispatched ( disp), and demonstrate that its product is required in sending cells for normal Hh function. In the absence of Disp, cholesterol-modified but not cholesterol-free Hh is retained in these cells, indicating that Disp functions to release cholesterol-anchored Hh. Despite their opposite roles, Disp and Ptc share structural homology in the form of a sterol-sensing domain, suggesting that release and sequestration of cholesterol-modified Hh may be based on related molecular pathways.[1]

References

  1. Dispatched, a novel sterol-sensing domain protein dedicated to the release of cholesterol-modified hedgehog from signaling cells. Burke, R., Nellen, D., Bellotto, M., Hafen, E., Senti, K.A., Dickson, B.J., Basler, K. Cell (1999) [Pubmed]
 
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