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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Quantitative PCR-based Assay to Measure Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Cellular Model of Ciliogenesis
Published on: January 31, 2025
Enhanced efficacy of cholesterol-minus sonic hedgehog in postnatal skin
Howard Lou1, Ronald G Crystal, Philip L Leopold
1Department of Genetic Medicine, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 1300 York Avenue, W401, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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.
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