The Desert Hedgehog protein is one of the three Hedgehog family proteins that is highly conserved and plays a role in many developmental processes in animals. DHH become biologically active following its autocatalytic cleavage. There is a high degree of residue homology between Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), Indian Hedgehog (IHH), and DHH. Despite their individual levels of expression and unique biological roles, the Hedgehog family members all use the same signalling pathway, and therefore, may be used interchangeably for some experimental purposes.