Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
08:44
Formation of Human Prostate Epithelium Using Tissue Recombination of Rodent Urogenital Sinus Mesenchyme and Human Stem Cells
Published on: June 22, 2013
Sonic hedgehog-responsive genes in the fetal prostate.
Min Yu1, Jerry Gipp, Joon Won Yoon
1University of Wisconsin Medical School, Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, Madison, Wisconsin 53705, USA.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|December 20, 2008
Summary
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is crucial for prostate development and cancer. Researchers identified key mesenchymal genes regulated by Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), revealing potential therapeutic targets for prostate cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is vital for prostate development.
- This pathway also promotes advanced prostate cancer growth.
- Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) peptide secreted by epithelial cells influences mesenchymal cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify mesenchymal target genes regulated by Shh signaling.
- To understand the role of these genes in prostate development and cancer.
Main Methods:
- Microarray analysis on Shh-responsive mesenchymal cells.
- Validation in primary and cultured urogenital sinus (UGS) mesenchymal cells.
- Electrophoretic mobility shift assays to identify Gli binding motifs.
Main Results:
- Identified 68 up-regulated and 21 down-regulated genes by Shh.
- Seven genes (Igfbp-6, Igfbp-3, Fbn2, Ntrk3, Agpt4, Dmp1, Mmp13) showed consistent Shh-regulation.
- Three genes contained functional Gli binding motifs.
Conclusions:
- Shh signaling regulates specific mesenchymal genes during prostate development.
- These identified genes represent potential therapeutic targets for prostate cancer.
Related Concept Videos
02:33Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
The Hedgehog gene (Hh) was first discovered due to its control of the growth of disorganized, hair-like bristles phenotype in Drosophila, much like hedgehog spines. Hh plays a crucial role in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, while Drosophila has only one Hh protein, mammals have multiple functional Hedgehog proteins - Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh), and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh). All of these homologous proteins have adapted to...
02:33Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
The Hedgehog gene (Hh) was first discovered due to its control of the growth of disorganized, hair-like bristles phenotype in Drosophila, much like hedgehog spines. Hh plays a crucial role in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, while Drosophila has only one Hh protein, mammals have multiple functional Hedgehog proteins - Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh), and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh). All of these homologous proteins have adapted to...
01:15Development of the Sexual Organs in the Embryo and Fetus
Development of the reproductive organs in an embryo starts from a bipotential state. This means the early embryo can develop either male or female reproductive organs. The formation of these organs begins with the growth of gonadal ridges that arise from the intermediate mesoderm during the fifth week of development.
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
Near the gonadal ridges, two duct systems are present: the mesonephric ducts (Wolffian ducts) and paramesonephric ducts (Müllerian ducts). These ducts form the basis for the male...
02:19The Y Chromosome Determines Maleness
The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome found in several vertebrates and mammals, including humans. In addition to 22 pairs of autosomes, the human males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. In these organisms, the presence or absence of the Y chromosome determines the development of male traits.
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...
Evolution
Around 300 million years ago, the two sex chromosomes diverged from two identical autosomal chromosomes. Over time, the Y chromosome has lost most of its genes, shrinking in size. Today,...
01:33Pleiotropy
Pleiotropy is the phenomenon in which a single gene impacts multiple, seemingly unrelated phenotypic traits. For example, defects in the SOX10 gene cause Waardenburg Syndrome Type 4, or WS4, which can cause defects in pigmentation, hearing impairments, and an absence of intestinal contractions necessary for elimination. This diversity of phenotypes results from the expression pattern of SOX10 in early embryonic and fetal development. SOX10 is found in neural crest cells that form melanocytes,...