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The patched gene in development and cancer
1Developmental Genetics Programme, Krebs Institute, University of Sheffield, UK. p.w.ingham@sheffield.ac.uk
Vertebrate patched genes encode a receptor for Hedgehog signaling proteins, confirming its role in development. Human patched also acts as a tumor suppressor gene in certain cancers.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The Drosophila segment polarity gene 'patched' has functional homologues in vertebrates.
- The patched gene encodes a multipass transmembrane protein.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the role of the patched protein as a receptor for Hedgehog signaling.
- To investigate the role of human patched in cancer development.
Main Methods:
- Cloning of vertebrate patched homologues.
- Functional analysis of the patched protein.
- Genetic analysis of human patched in tumor samples.
Main Results:
- Vertebrate patched proteins function as receptors for secreted Hedgehog signaling molecules.
- Human patched was identified as a tumor suppressor gene.
- Mutations in human patched are implicated in basal cell carcinomas and medulloblastomas.
Conclusions:
- The patched gene plays a conserved role in Hedgehog signaling across species.
- The patched protein is a critical component of the Hedgehog pathway.
- Dysregulation of the patched gene contributes to the development of specific human cancers.
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