Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of Hedgehog signalling, and more specifically to a cell-based assay system and methods for identifying inhibitors and/or antagonists of specific cellular events in said signalling pathway. The present invention hereby proposes a novel approach for identifying inhibitors and/or antagonists downstream of the signalling components Smoothened and Patched, e.g. at the Gli-level. The assay comprises cells lacking a functional Sufu protein, which according to the invention is a protein component of emerging importance in the Hedgehog signalling pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of Hedgehog signalling, and more specifically to a cell-based assay system and methods for identifying inhibitors and/or antagonists of specific cellular events in said signalling pathway. The present invention hereby proposes a novel approach for identifying inhibitors and/or antagonists downstream of the signalling components Smoothened and Patched, e.g. at the Gli-level. The assay comprises cells lacking a functional Sufu protein, which according to the invention is a protein component of emerging importance in the Hedgehog signalling pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human patched-like gene (PTCH2), which for the first time has been cloned and sequenced. Several alternatively spliced mRNA forms of PTCH2 have been identified, including transcripts lacking segments thought to be involved in sonic hedgehog (SHH) binding and mRNAs with differentially defined 3? terminal exons. Further, the invention also relates to the protein encoded by the present PTCH2 as well as to functional analogues and variants thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel human patched-like gene (PTCH2), which for the first time has been cloned and sequenced. Several alternatively spliced mRNA forms of PTCH2 have been identified, including transcripts lacking segments thought to be involved in sonic hedgehog (SHH) binding and mRNAs with differentially defined 3′ terminal exons. Further, the invention also relates to the protein encoded by the present PTCH2 as well as to functional analogues and variants thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proteins, polypeptides and nucleotides related to the human homologue of the Drosophila suppressor of fused gene, which is involved in the transduction of signals in the HH-PTC pathway. The invention also relates to antibodies raised against the polypeptides according to the invention. The molecules according to the present invention are useful in diagnostic and therapeutic methods relating to conditions associated with defects in said pathway, especially certain malformations and cancer. Other fields of application of the molecules according to the invention are e.g. studies of embryonic development, gene transcription and tissue repair.