The GTPase Rab8 differentially controls the long- and short-range activity of the Hedgehog morphogen gradient by regulating Hedgehog apico-basal distribution

ABSTRACT The Hedgehog (Hh) morphogen gradient is required for patterning during metazoan development, yet the mechanisms involved in Hh apical and basolateral release how this influences short- long-range target induction are poorly understood. We found that depletion of GTPase Rab8 Hh-producing cells induces an imbalance between level apically laterally released Hh. This leads to non-cell-autonomous differential effects on expression genes, namely increase its short-range targets a concomitant decrease targets. further regulates endocytosis apico-basal distribution Ihog, transmembrane protein known bind be crucial establishment gradient. Our data provide new insights into formation, whereby activity functionally distributed basolaterally secreted pools.