Gli Reporter - NIH3T3 Cell line (Hedgehog Pathway)

The Gli Reporter - NIH3T3 Cell Line is designed for monitoring the activity of the hedgehog signaling pathway. The hedgehog pathway controls stem cell growth in embryonic and adult tissues and promotes tumor growth in a number of human cancers. The mammalian hedgehog proteins, Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Indian Hedgehog (Ihh), and Desert Hedgehog (Dhh) activate hedgehog signaling by binding to their membrane receptor 'Patched'(PTCH). This binding releases PTCH inhibition of Smoothened (Smo) and allows Smo to activate the Gli family of transcription factors, leading to transcription and expression of hedgehog signal target genes. The Gli Reporter - NIH3T3 Cell Line contains the firefly luciferase gene under the control of Gli responsive elements stably integrated into NIH3T3 cells. Luciferase expression correlates with activation of the hedgehog signaling pathway. This cell line is validated for its response to stimulation with murine Sonic Hedgehog and to treatment with inhibitors of the hedgehog signaling pathway.