Sonic Hedgehog

By Lauren E. Yaich

Abstract

In this case study about a baby born with the genetic condition holoprosencephaly, students explore the “Sonic hedgehog” gene, signal transduction, and the ethics of body and tissue donation. The assignment involves students writing an informed consent document that explains the science behind this congenital abnormality. Designed for an upper-level undergraduate biology course, the case could also be used in a cell biology, developmental biology, neurobiology, or other related upper-level course.

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Date Posted

04/19/2001

Overview

Objectives

Discuss signal-transduction pathways and how they are involved in developmental events.
Discuss early braindevelopment and how defects in cellular signaling pathways can result in serious congenital abnormalities, such as holoprosencephaly.
Speculate upon ways that scientists might one day be able to detect or treat congenital abnormalities such as holoprosencephaly.
Discuss ethical and legal issues concerning tissue and cadaver donation for scientific research.

Keywords

Holoprosencephaly; Sonic hedgehog; Cyclops; brain development; signal transduction; cell signaling; birth defect; congenital defect; tissue donation; organ donation; medical research; bioethics

Subject Headings

Cell Biology

Developmental Biology

Genetics / Heredity

Neuroscience

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate upper division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, Legal issues, Social issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Discussion, Role-Play

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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