Description
Smoothened (SMO) is a GPCR-
like receptor which, with Patched, mediates hedgehog signaling to regulate gene expression through the Gli transcription factors. 20(S)-
hydroxy Cholesterol (20(S)-
OHC) is an oxysterol which binds SMO and activates hedgehog signaling (EC
50 = 3 μM), and this activation is selective for the
nat-
20(S)-
OHC enantiomer.
Nat-
20(S)-
OHC synergizes with the SMO agonist SAG, suggesting an allosteric effect.
Nat-
20(S)-
yne is a form of
nat-
20(S)-
OHC with a terminal alkyne group, which can be used in linking reactions known as click chemistry. Click chemistry involves highly dependable and specific azide-
alkyne bioconjugation reactions and can be used to capture or immobilize bioactive molecules. Thus,
nat-
20(S)-
yne has been conjugated with magnetic beads to demonstrate that
nat-
20(S)-
OHC directly binds SMO.
Uses
(3β)-26,27-Dinorcholest-5-en-24-yne-3,20-diol is a byproduct of cholesterol (C432501) oxidation and a potential agonists of the hedgehog signaling pathway.