Anti-IHH

This gene encodes a member of the hedgehog family of secreted signaling molecules. Hedgehog proteins are essential regulators of a variety of developmental processes including growth, patterning and morphogenesis. The encoded protein specifically plays a role in bone growth an differentiation. Mutations in this gene are the cause of brachydactyly type A1 which is characterized by shortening or malformation of the phalanges. Mutations in this gene are also the cause of acrocapitofemoral dysplasia. Protein function: Intercellular signal essential for a variety of patterning events during development. Binds to the patched (PTC) receptor, which functions in association with smoothened (SMO), to activate the transcription of target genes. Implicated in endochondral ossification: may regulate the balance between growth and ossification of the developing bones. Induces the expression of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHRP). [The UniProt Consortium]