RESEARCH: CANCER
FOLDING PROJECT #15202 PROFILE

The project relates to how a protein called PTCH1 moves cholesterol around in cells. This movement helps control cell growth and when it goes wrong, can lead to cancers like medulloblastoma. Learning how PTCH1 works could help us develop new cancer treatments.

Note: This TLDR is a simplication and may not be 100% accurate.

This project aims to elucidate the cholesterol transport mechanism in PTCH1, a transmembrane protein responsible for inhibiting SMO in the absence of SHH in the hedgehog signaling pathway by reducing access to ciliary membrane cholesterol.

Dysregulation of this pathway (such as the inability of PTCH1 to transport cholesterol and thereby inhibit SMO) has been linked to various cancers, including medulloblastoma and basal cell carcinoma.

Thus, understanding the mechanisms behind PTCH1 cholesterol transport will allow for therapeutic treatments to target these cancers.

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PTCH1

Patched 1 is a transmembrane protein that inhibits the smoothened (SMO) protein in the absence of Sonic Hedgehog (SHH).

PTCH1 is a gene that codes for a protein involved in regulating cell growth and division. It plays a crucial role in the hedgehog signaling pathway, which is essential for normal development and tissue repair. Mutations in PTCH1 can lead to cancer by disrupting this pathway.

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SMO

Smoothened (SMO) is a transmembrane protein that plays a key role in the hedgehog signaling pathway.

SMO is a protein involved in transmitting signals from the hedgehog pathway. When activated by SHH, SMO triggers a cascade of events that lead to cell growth and proliferation. Mutations or dysregulation of SMO are implicated in various cancers.

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SHH

Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) is a signaling molecule that plays a critical role in embryonic development.

SHH is a protein that acts as a signaling molecule during embryonic development. It guides cell growth and differentiation, influencing the formation of various organs and tissues. Aberrant SHH signaling is linked to developmental abnormalities and certain cancers.

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hedgehog signaling pathway

A complex cellular signaling cascade that regulates cell growth, proliferation, and differentiation.

The hedgehog pathway is a vital signaling system in organisms. It controls cell behavior during development, influencing tissue formation and patterning. In adults, it plays a role in tissue repair and regeneration. Disruptions in this pathway can contribute to various diseases, including cancer.

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cholesterol transport

The movement of cholesterol molecules within and between cells and organelles.

Cholesterol transport is crucial for maintaining proper cellular function. It involves complex mechanisms to regulate the distribution of cholesterol in membranes, influencing cell signaling, membrane fluidity, and other essential processes.

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medulloblastoma

An aggressive type of brain cancer that originates in the cerebellum.

Medulloblastoma is a malignant tumor arising from the cerebellum, a part of the brain responsible for coordination and balance. It typically affects children and adolescents, and its rapid growth can lead to severe neurological complications.

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basal cell carcinoma

The most common type of skin cancer, characterized by abnormal growth of cells in the basal layer of the epidermis.

Basal cell carcinoma is a slow-growing but invasive form of skin cancer that typically arises from sun-exposed areas. It often presents as pearly or waxy bumps and can spread to nearby tissues if untreated.