Describe Wnt pathway?, hedgehog pathway?

The Wnt pathway is a signaling pathway that plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration during embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. The pathway is activated when Wnt ligands bind to cell surface receptors, leading to the stabilization and accumulation of beta-catenin in the cytoplasm. Beta-catenin then translocates to the nucleus where it interacts with transcription factors to regulate the expression of target genes involved in various cellular processes.

The Hedgehog pathway is another important signaling pathway that is involved in regulating cell growth, differentiation, and patterning during embryonic development and tissue regeneration. The pathway is activated when Hedgehog ligands bind to their receptor Patched, leading to the release of another receptor called Smoothened from inhibition. This triggers a signaling cascade that ultimately results in the activation of transcription factors that regulate the expression of target genes involved in cell fate determination and tissue patterning. Dysregulation of the Hedgehog pathway has been implicated in various developmental disorders and cancers.