How does Smo function in the Hedgehog signaling pathway?
In the absence of Hedgehog ligands, Smo is inhibited by another protein called Patched (Ptch). When a Hedgehog ligand binds to Ptch, this inhibition is relieved, allowing Smo to translocate to the primary cilium. Activated Smo then initiates a cascade of intracellular signaling events that ultimately lead to the activation of Gli transcription factors, which regulate the expression of target genes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival.
