Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) morphogens are lipidated proteins that firmly attach to the outer plasma membrane (PM) of the cells that produce them. The process by which Shh is solubilized requires the transmembrane protein Dispatched1 (Disp), the soluble glycoprotein Scube2, the proteolytic removal of lipidated peptide termini, and the use of soluble lipoproteins (LPPs) as Shh transporters. However, their molecular interplay remains controversial. Here, we demonstrate that A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase 10, Scube2, and Disp act synergistically to remove Shh from the PM and transfer it to LPP acceptors. We also demonstrate physical Scube2 interactions with LPPs and that these interactions increase Shh release. Finally, we demonstrate that Scube2 strongly binds to heparan sulfate (HS) on cell surfaces. These findings reveal Scube2's previously unknown role in binding low-abundance, soluble LPP carriers for Shh and recruiting these carriers to HS-rich Shh release sites at the PM to enhance morphogen release.