DHH (hedgehog)

DHH (Desert Hedgehog)

Structure of the Desert Hedgehog protein

The Desert Hedgehog (DHH) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the DHH gene. It is a member of the hedgehog signaling pathway and plays a key role in the development of the nervous system, reproductive system, and endocrine system.

Function[edit | edit source]

DHH is a secreted protein that binds to the patched receptor (PTCH) to initiate a signaling cascade. It is involved in the formation of the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and the gonads. In the testis, DHH signaling is critical for the development and maintenance of Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, which are essential for spermatogenesis.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Mutations in the DHH gene can lead to several medical conditions. These include 46,XY disorder of sex development due to 46,XY partial gonadal dysgenesis, and Perrault syndrome, a condition characterized by sensorineural hearing loss and ovarian dysgenesis.

Research[edit | edit source]

Research into the role of DHH in cancer is ongoing. Some studies suggest that DHH signaling may be involved in the growth of certain types of tumors, including basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma.