Indian Hedgehog (IHH) is a key member of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling protein family, which plays critical roles in embryonic development, tissue patterning, and cellular differentiation. Discovered in the 1990s, the Hh pathway, including IHH, is evolutionarily conserved and regulates processes such as bone growth, cartilage formation, and gut homeostasis. IHH is particularly vital in endochondral ossification, where it coordinates chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation. Dysregulation of IHH signaling is linked to skeletal disorders (e.g., brachydactyly) and cancers (e.g., chondrosarcoma, gastrointestinal tumors).
Antibodies targeting IHH are essential tools for studying its expression, localization, and function in both physiological and pathological contexts. They enable detection via techniques like immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA, aiding research into developmental biology and disease mechanisms. In cancer research, IHH antibodies help elucidate its role in tumor proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. Additionally, they contribute to drug development, as aberrant Hh signaling is a therapeutic target. Small-molecule inhibitors (e.g., vismodegib) targeting the Hh pathway are already used clinically, but specificity and off-target effects remain challenges. IHH antibodies thus support biomarker discovery and validation for precision therapies. Their application spans basic research, diagnostic assays, and translational studies, underscoring their importance in understanding and modulating Hh-related pathologies.