The online resource for hedgehog-like signalling pathway components in C. elegans.

9th May 08

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Components of Hedgehog Signalling

Genetic and protein identification in Drosphila has classified various proteins related to the Hedgehog signalling pathway:

Fused (Fu) - serinethreonine kinase
Protein kinase A (Pka)
Proteasome Machinery (Pro)
Supernumerary limb (Slmb) - F-box WD-40 protein
Costal2 (Cos2) - kinesin-related protein
Suppressor of Fused [Su(fu)] - PEST-containing protein
Cubitus interrupts (Ci) - transcription factor
Patched (Ptc)
Smoothened (Smo)
CREB Binding Protein (CBP)

These proteins are responsible for the cleavage of Cubitus interrupts, nucleocytoplasmic localization and activation. Costal2, Fused, Suppressor of Fused and Cubitus Interrupts are associated in at least one cytoplasmic complex, in Drosphila embryos, interacting with the microtubules in a Hh-dependent manner. Cos2, Fu and Ci directly bind each other forming a trimeric signalling complex. This multi-protein complex binds microtubules, dependent upon Hh, via Cos2.

A second signalling complex develops whereby Su(fu) directly binds to Fu and Ci, forming a cytoplasmic tetrameric complex with Cos2, though this is not enriched on microtubules. Full length Ci leaves the cytoplasmic complexes for the nucleus where it becomes a significant contributor to the Hh signalling pathway.