GW scientist awarded $1.7 million grant to understand mechanisms behind Hedgehog receptor

Among scientists specializing in the area, the mechanisms behind the signaling function of the Hedgehog (Hh) receptor pathway remain a mystery. Xiaoyen Zheng, Ph.D., assistant professor of anatomy and regenerative biology at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, who recently received a $1.7 million grant from the National Institutes of Health and National Institute of General Medical Sciences, is determined to learn more about the Hh pathway.

With this funding, Zheng will develop a comprehensive understanding of the pathway's underlying mechanisms. Previous research has shown that the Hh receptor, Patched, regulates pathway activity. Studies have also shown that Hh pathway components are trafficked through the cilium of cells. This led Zheng to look at the possibility of ciliary trafficking as a crucial regulation point for the Patched component. The focus of her research is to look at the primary cilium's role as the cellular platform for the process. Over the course of the study, Zheng and her team will employ the use of both cell lines and mouse models.

"A comprehensive understanding of the signal transduction will provide a better basis for the design and implementation of effective therapeutic approaches to diseases caused by malfunction of the Hh signaling pathway," Zheng said.

The Hedgehog receptor plays an important role in embryonic development and adult stem cell function. A loss of signaling during development can result in birth defects, such as holoprosencephaly and congenital heart disease. Post-development loss is associated with a variety of cancer types.

Source: https://smhs.gwu.edu/news/gw-researcher-receives-17-million-federal-grant-continue-study-hedgehog-receptor

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Diabetes drugs may reduce risk of opioid overdose and alcohol intoxication