Indian hedgehog (protein)

Indian hedgehog homolog (Drosophila), also known as IHH, is a protein which in humans is encoded by the "IHH" gene. This cell signaling protein is in the hedgehog signaling pathway. The several mammalian variants of the "Drosophila" hedgehog gene (which was the first named) have been named after the various species of hedgehog; the Indian hedgehog is honored by this one. The gene is not specific to Indian hedgehogs.
Function.
The Indian hedgehog protein is one of three proteins in the mammalian hedgehog family, the others being desert hedgehog (DHH) and sonic hedgehog (SHH). It is involved in chondrocyte differentiation, proliferation and maturation especially during endochondral ossification. It regulates its effects by feedback control of parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrP).