Intercellular signal essential for a variety of patterning events during development. Binds to the patched (PTC) receptor, which functions in association with smoothened (SMO), to activate the transcription of target genes. Implicated in endochondral ossification: may regulate the balance between growth and ossification of the developing bones. Induces the expression of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHRP) (By similarity)
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in embryonic lung, and in adult kidney and liver
Cellular Localization
Indian hedgehog protein N-product: Cell membrane; Lipid-anchor; Extracellular side (By similarity) Note=The N-terminal peptide remains associated with the cell surface (By similarity)