Date of Completion
1-18-2012
Embargo Period
1-19-2012
Advisors
Rachel O'Neill, Ph.D.; Craig Nelson, Ph.D.
Field of Study
Genetics and Genomics
Degree
Master of Science
Open Access
Open Access
Abstract
Desert hedgehog (DHH) belongs to the hedgehog gene family that act as secreted intercellular signal transducers. DHH is an essential morphogen for normal testicular development and function in both mice and humans but is not present in the avian lineage. Like other hedgehog proteins, DHH signals through the patched (PTCH) receptors 1 and 2. Here we examine the expression and protein distribution of DHH, PTCH1 and PTCH2 in the developing testes of a marsupial mammal (the tammar wallaby) to determine whether DHH signalling is a conserved factor in gonadal development in all therian mammals.
Recommended Citation
O'Hara, William A., "Desert Hedgehog is a Mammal-Specific Gene Expressed During Testicular and Ovarian Development in a Marsupial" (2012). Master's Theses. 215.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/gs_theses/215
Major Advisor
Andrew J. Pask, Ph.D.