The Hedgehog Receptor Patched Is Involved in Cholesterol Transport
2011

The Hedgehog Receptor Patched and Cholesterol Transport

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Bidet Michel, Joubert Olivier, Lacombe Benoit, Ciantar Marine, Nehmé Rony, Mollat Patrick, Brétillon Lionel, Faure Hélène, Bittman Robert, Ruat Martial, Mus-Veteau Isabelle

Primary Institution: Université de Nice - Sophia Antipolis, CNRS-UMR 6543, Institute of Developmental Biology and Cancer, Nice, France

Hypothesis

Patched may be involved in cholesterol efflux from cells and modulation of intracellular cholesterol concentration.

Conclusion

Patched contributes to cholesterol efflux from cells and modulates the intracellular cholesterol concentration, which is important for Hedgehog signaling.

Supporting Evidence

  • ShhN treatment increases intracellular cholesterol concentration in NIH 3T3 cells.
  • Cholesterol enhances the enrichment of Smoothened in the plasma membrane.
  • Cyclopamine treatment inhibits Patched expression and reduces cholesterol efflux.
  • Over-expression of human Patched in yeast increases cholesterol efflux.

Takeaway

This study shows that a protein called Patched helps move cholesterol out of cells, which is important for a signaling process that helps cells grow and develop.

Methodology

The study used NIH 3T3 mouse fibroblast cells to investigate the effects of Shh protein on cholesterol levels and signaling.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.006

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0023834

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication