Desert hedgehog regulates the proliferation and differentiation of Leydig cells: an update.
- Author:
Sha-Sha ZOU
1
;
Zheng LI
;
Hong-Liang HU
Author Information
1. Department of Urology/Laboratory of Sperm Development and Genetics, Shanghai Institute of Andrology/ Shanghai Human Sperm Bank, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200001, China. zoushashash@126.com
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Cell Differentiation;
Cell Proliferation;
Hedgehog Proteins;
metabolism;
Humans;
Leydig Cells;
cytology;
Male;
Signal Transduction;
Spermatogenesis;
Testis;
cytology;
metabolism
- From:
National Journal of Andrology
2012;18(2):172-175
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Hedgehog signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating the development of endocrine glands. Desert hedgehog (Dhh) has become a recent focus for its regulation of testis development, especially of Leydig cells. Dhh, as a Sertoli cell product, regulates the proliferation and differentiation of Leydig cell lineage and functions to secrete testosterone through a paracrine signaling mechanism. Testosterone, as the most important sex hormone of the male, plays a critical role in testis development, spermatogenesis and maintenance of normal masculinization. Therefore, normal Dhh signaling pathway ensures normal spermatogenic function. Researches on the Hedgehog signaling pathway in the testis have a potential significance for studying the pathophysiological mechanisms of androgen deficiency and dyszoospermia, as well as for the clinical treatment of these diseases.
