In the Human Genome, Chromosome 7 has a Gene Which Was Named “Sonic Hedgehog”.

In 2006, this and other genes were given more professional sounding names because they were considered insensitive to those who suffer from mutations of these genes.  I mean, how would you like to be told you have a genetic mutation in your ‘faint sausage’?  Or that you are particularly sensitive to alcohol because you have a mutated ‘cheap date’ gene?  Exactly!

What the Fact?

The Sonic Hedgehog Homolog Gene

Getting technical for a minute, the ‘Sonic Hedgehog Homolog‘ (SSH) is a ligand of the hedgehog signaling pathway and is responsible for controlling growth of things like digits on limbs and the organisation of the brain. The gene was originally discovered in 1978 by Eric Wieschaus and Christiane Nusslein-Volhard.  Like many discoveries in genetics, it was the Fruit Fly (Drosophila melanogaster) that the geneticists were studying.  If you follow the blog you should already know that Fruit Flies could hold the answer to getting slim.

Not as Funny as It Sounds.

An SSH Mutation as seen in a pig.

It might seem like a bit of a laugh to have weird names like this for genes but it really isn’t a good idea.  The affects of mutation of these genes can be pretty horrific.  The image on the right shows what can happen when the Sonic Hedgehog gene is mutated in pigs.  The problem is, geneticists find these genes in all kinds of different species so it’s kinda cool to give them a funky name but on occasion, these genes also exist in human genetics.  Take the ‘Ken & Barbie’ gene for example, a fruit fly with a mutation in this gene isn’t capable of growing sexual organs!  Now can you imagine being told that at the doctors surgery? Ouch!