ABSTRACT
Patched (Ptc) is a 12-cross membrane protein that binds the secreted Hedgehog protein. Its regulation of the Hedgehog signaling pathway is critical to normal development and to a number of human diseases. This report analyzes features of sequence similarity and divergence in the Ptc protein family and identifies two subtypes distinguished by novel conserved domains. We used these results to propose a rational basis for classification. We show that one of the conserved sequence regions in the C-terminal domain of Ptch1 is responsible, at least in part, for rapid turnover. This sequence is absent in the stable Ptch2 protein.
Subject(s)
Receptors, Cell Surface/genetics , Signal Transduction/physiology , Animals , Drosophila melanogaster , Hedgehog Proteins/genetics , Hedgehog Proteins/metabolism , Humans , Mice , Patched Receptors , Patched-1 Receptor , Patched-2 Receptor , Protein Structure, Tertiary/physiology , Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism , Sequence Analysis, Protein/methodsABSTRACT
The Hedgehog Signaling Pathway Database is a curated repository of information pertaining to the Hedgehog developmental pathway. It was designed to provide centralized access to a wide range of relevant information in an organism-agnostic manner. Data are provided for all genes and gene targets known to be involved in the Hh pathway across various organisms. The data provided include DNA and protein sequences as well as domain structure motifs. All known human diseases associated with the Hh pathway are indexed including experimental data on therapeutic agents and their molecular targets. Hh researchers will find useful information on relevant protocols, tissue cell lines and reagents used in current Hh research projects. Curated content is also provided for publications, grants and patents relating to the Hh pathway. The database can be accessed at http://www.hedgehog.sfsu.edu.
