Jervine

Jervine is a steroidal alkaloid found in plants of the genus Veratrum, particularly Veratrum album (white hellebore) and Veratrum viride (American hellebore). It is a complex molecule with a characteristic tetracyclic ring system. Jervine is known for its teratogenic effects, specifically its ability to induce birth defects affecting brain development, notably holoprosencephaly, a failure of the forebrain to divide properly during embryonic development.

Jervine's mechanism of action involves disrupting the Hedgehog signaling pathway, a critical developmental signaling cascade responsible for regulating cell growth, differentiation, and pattern formation during embryogenesis. Specifically, jervine inhibits Smoothened (Smo), a key transmembrane protein in the Hedgehog pathway, thus preventing the signaling cascade from proceeding normally.

Historically, plants containing jervine have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, but due to its toxicity and teratogenic potential, jervine is not used clinically. Research on jervine and related compounds has contributed to a better understanding of the Hedgehog signaling pathway and its role in development and disease, including cancer. Jervine has therefore served as a valuable tool in scientific investigations, despite its inherent dangers.