Enhanced efficacy of cholesterol-minus sonic hedgehog in postnatal skin

Mol Ther. 2005 Sep;12(3):575-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2005.01.009.

Abstract

The role of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) as a morphogen in diverse developmental settings depends on covalent addition of cholesterol. In this study, expression of Shh lacking cholesterol stimulated hair growth with greater efficacy than native Shh, suggesting that Shh acts as a chemokine rather than a morphogen in this postnatal role. Thus, a structural modification that renders a morphogen ineffective in developmental models may have distinct advantages for postnatal applications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / genetics*
  • Animals
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Chemokines / metabolism
  • Cholesterol / metabolism*
  • DNA, Complementary / metabolism
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Gene Deletion
  • Gene Transfer Techniques*
  • Genetic Vectors
  • Hair / metabolism
  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Keratinocytes / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Skin / metabolism*
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism*

Substances

  • Chemokines
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • Trans-Activators
  • Cholesterol