Sonic hedgehog protein

[Sonic hedgehog protein]: The C-terminal part of the sonic hedgehog protein precursor displays an autoproteolysis and a cholesterol transferase activity (By similarity). Both activities result in the cleavage of the full-length protein into two parts (ShhN and ShhC) followed by the covalent attachment of a cholesterol moiety to the C-terminal of the newly generated ShhN (By similarity). Both activities occur in the reticulum endoplasmic (By similarity). Once cleaved, ShhC is degraded in the endoplasmic reticulum (By similarity).; [Sonic hedgehog protein N-product]: The dually lipidated sonic hedgehog protein N-product (ShhNp) is a morphogen which is essential for a variety of patterning events during development. Induces ventral cell fate in the neural tube and somites. Involved in the patterning of the anterior-posterior axis of the developing limb bud (By similarity). Essential for axon guidance (By similarity). Binds to the patched (PTCH1) receptor, which functions in association with smoothened (SMO), to activate the transcription of target genes. In the absence of SHH, PTCH1 represses the constitutive signaling activity of SMO.