The sonic hedgehog (Shh) signalling pathway is a crucial mediator of cell proliferation, morphogenesis and fate, influencing the development and homeostasis of multiple organ systems during all stages of life. A central premise of Shh signalling is that the receptor patched 1 (Ptch1) mediates the Shh response, and that this response is greatest when Ptch1 is absent, allowing the release of pathway activator smoothened (Smo) and the eventual activation of Gli proteins. In this issue (p. 3331), Henk Roelink and colleagues challenge this notion by showing that cells devoid of Ptch1 remain Shh responsive in both transcriptional and migrational assays. Furthermore, the authors demonstrate a role for patched 2 (Ptch2) in mediating the Shh response in the absence of Ptch1, since a response to Shh is seen in Ptch1−/– but not in Ptch1−/–;Ptch2−/– cells. These data are indicative of a complex relationship between Ptch1 and...
The Company of Biologists Workshops
For the last 15 years, our publisher, The Company of Biologists, has provided an apt environment to inspire biology and support biologists through our Workshops series. Read about the evolution of the Workshop series and revisit JEB's experience with hosting the first Global South Workshop.
Call for papers – Lifelong Development: the Maintenance, Regeneration and Plasticity of Tissues
Development invites you to submit your latest research to our upcoming special issue – Lifelong Development: the Maintenance, Regeneration and Plasticity of Tissues. This issue will be coordinated by Guest Editors Meritxell Huch (Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Germany) and Mansi Srivastava (Harvard University and Museum of Comparative Zoology, USA), working alongside our team of academic Editors. Submit your articles by 30 May 2025.
Meet our 2025 Pathway to Independence (PI) fellows
We are delighted to announce our third cohort of PI fellows - researchers whom we will be supporting as they transition from postdoc to Principal Investigator. Read about the eight talented fellows chosen, whom we're excited to be working with as they navigate the job market.
A case for broadening our view of mechanism in developmental biology
In this Perspective, B. Duygu Özpolat and colleagues survey researchers on their views on what it takes to infer mechanism in developmental biology. They examine what factors shape our idea of what we mean by ‘mechanism’ and suggest a path forward that embraces a broad outlook on the diversity of studies that advance knowledge in our field.
the Node: Have your say
Our community site, the Node, is conducting a user survey about the content and the design of the site. Help us shape the Node's future and thank you for being a part of the Node over the last 15 years.
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