Sonic Hedgehog
Genetic Abnormalities and Tissue Donations
Author(s)
Division of Biological and Health Sciences
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
yaich@pitt.edu
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.
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; bioethicsTopical Areas
Ethics, Legal issues, Social issuesEducational Level
Undergraduate upper divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
Discussion, Role-PlayLanguage
EnglishSubject Headings
Cell Biology | Neuroscience | Genetics / Heredity | Developmental Biology |
Date Posted
04/19/01Teaching Notes
Case teaching notes are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering.
Teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience, details about how the case may be taught, and a list of references and resources.