SAG regulates Smo activity by binding directly to the Smo heptahelical bundle. [1] SAG induces Smo-dependent signaling through Gli in a GRK2-dependent way. [2] SAG also (1 nM) induces proliferation of neuronal and glial precursors without affecting the differentiation pattern of newly produced cells.

In the adult rat hippocampus, the intracerebroventricular administration of SAG (2.5 nM) significantly increases the number of newly generated cells and extends survival of hippocampal cells. [3] In mice, SAG (20 μg/g, i.p.) effectively prevents GC-induced neonatal cerebellar developmental abnormalities.