Biologically Active Substance
hedgehog proteins
hedge·hog pro·teins
Subclass of:
Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
Definitions related to hedgehog proteins:
  • (hedgehog family) A family of extracellular proteins that act as signaling molecules and regulate embryonic patterning events during development. They are synthesized as inactive precursors with an N-terminal signaling domain linked to a C-terminal autoprocessing domain, which has a structure that resembles intein protein splicing domains.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • A family of intercellular signaling proteins that play an important role in regulating the development of many TISSUES and organs. Their name derives from the observation of a hedgehog-like appearance in DROSOPHILA embryos with genetic mutations that block their action.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.