SHh activity and localization is regulated by perlecan

Verónica Palma, Héctor Carrasco, Gisela Reinchisi, Gonzalo Olivares, Fernando Faunes, Juan Larraín

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Proliferation and cell fate determination in the developing embryo are extrinsically regulated by multiple interactions among diverse secreted factors, such as Sonic Hedgehog (SHh), which act in a concentration-dependent manner. The fact that SHh is secreted as a lipidmodified protein suggests the existence of a mechanism to regulate its movement across embryonic fields. We have previously shown that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are required for SHh binding and signalling. However, it was not determined which specific HSPG was responsible for these functions. Here we evaluated the contribution of perlecan on SHh localization and activity. To understand the mechanism of action of perlecan at the cellular level, we studied the role of perlecan-SHh interaction in SHh activity using both cell culture and biochemical assays. Our findings show that perlecan is a crucial anchor and modulator of SHh activity acting as an extracellular positive regulator of SHh.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)63-67
Number of pages5
JournalBiological Research
Volume44
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Keywords

  • Morphogen gradients
  • Perlecan
  • SHh

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Biochemistry,Genetics and Molecular Biology
  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'SHh activity and localization is regulated by perlecan'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this