In: Biology
Describe the role of Shh in neural tube development
Answer :)
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) shows a pattern during the development of the neural tube. A gradient of Shh controlling the expression of a group of basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) and homeodomain (HD) transcription factors is made. These transcription factors then group into two protein classes. The Class I is inhibited by Shh, while Class II is activated by Shh. Both classes of proteins then are able to regulate each other for creating more-defined confines of expression. The diverse combinations of expression of those transcription factors alongside the dorsal-ventral axis of the neural tube are accountable for creating the characteristics of the neuronal progenitor cells. In addition, the neuronal groups’ origin positions are generated can be forecast by the concentration of Shh. In the dorsal neural tube, the ectopic expression of Shh induces motor neuron and floor plate specification. It controls the activity of the notochord and floor plate.