Sonic hedgehog as a chemoattractant for adult NPCs

The developmental morphogen Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is well known for its role in modulating the proliferation and survival of neural progenitor cells in the developing mouse brain. A recent report now showed that Shh could regulate the migration of neuroblast in the adult subventricular zone (SVZ) along the rostral migratory stream (RMS) to the olfactory bulb, by functioning as a chemoattractant. Functions of Shh in regulating the migration and survival of neural progenitor cells in the adult central nervous system are suggestive of its potential roles in neural regeneration and CNS oncogenesis.