Indian hedgehog: Role in skeletal development

The Hedgehog (HH) family of proteins consists of Indian hedgehog (IHH), Sonic hedgehog (Shh) and Desert hedgehog (Dhh). These proteins serve as essential regulators in a variety of developmental events. Within the hedgehog family IHH is considered the master regulator of endochondral bone formation. Normal endochondral bone development requires the coordination of chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. IHH is a morphogen produced by chondrocytes in the early stages of terminal differentiation and plays several key roles in this process. In pathological and degenerative processes, such as osteoarthritis or cartilaginous tumour formation, hedgehog signalling is dysregulated. Pharmacological strategies targeting this pathway could lead to development of novel therapeutic approaches. Thus, regulation of hedgehog signalling could be manipulated to safeguard skeletal health.