A gene found in humans (and other species) is named “Sonic hedgehog,” while its possible inhibitor is called Robotnikinin. These are named in honor of the video game characters Sonic the Hedgehog and his nemesis, Dr. Ivo “Eggman” Robotnik.
The gene ensures that all of our limbs and organs are in the correct place. It’s official symbols is SHH.
The story behind the naming of the gene was reported by the Times Union in 2012:
Sonic was named as such by the Harvard researcher (Cliff Tabin) because two previous gene family members had been named Indian and dessert hedgehog based on the way fruit flies looked when these gene were mutated. His kids were playing a lot of sonic at the time he discovered his gene ( circa 1991)so he went with that name for the 3rd family member.
Not all scientists and doctors are happy about the name.
“The quirky sense of humour that researchers display in choosing a gene name often loses much in translation when people facing serious illness or disability are told that they or their child have a mutation in a gene such as Sonic hedgehog, Slug or Pokemon.”
Sources
- Sonic hedgehog (Wikipedia)
- Robotnikinin: small molecule inhibitor of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling in human cells (Harvard University)
- Humour of gene names lost in translation to patients (Nature 439: January 19, 2006)
- Behind the name of the sonic hedgehog protein (Cathleen F. Crowley, Times Union: February 1, 2012)
