Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
10:45
Anatomically Inspired Three-dimensional Micro-tissue Engineered Neural Networks for Nervous System Reconstruction, Modulation, and Modeling
Published on: May 31, 2017
Sonic Hedgehog regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor in normal and regenerating cavernous nerves
Christopher W Bond1, Nicholas Angeloni, Daniel Harrington
1Department of Urology, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
|December 15, 2012
Summary
Sonic hedgehog (SHH) treatment promotes cavernous nerve (CN) regeneration by increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Inhibiting BDNF blocks SHH
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Regenerative Medicine
- Urology
Background:
- Cavernous nerve (CN) injury during prostatectomy leads to erectile dysfunction.
- Nerve microenvironment modulation is key for regeneration and therapy development.
- Sonic hedgehog (SHH) promotes CN regeneration, but its mechanism is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if SHH promotes CN regeneration via a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-dependent pathway.
- To elucidate the role of BDNF in SHH-mediated nerve repair.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Sprague Dawley rats with bilateral CN crush models.
- Administered SHH treatment or inhibition to pelvic ganglia/CN.
- Investigated SHH's effect on BDNF levels and regeneration with and without BDNF inhibition.
Main Results:
- SHH treatment significantly increased BDNF levels in normal and injured CNs.
- SHH inhibition decreased BDNF levels.
- Blocking BDNF function abolished SHH's regenerative effects on the CN.
Conclusions:
- SHH regulates BDNF in the pelvic ganglia and cavernous nerve.
- BDNF mediates SHH's pro-regenerative effects on the CN.
- Combination therapy targeting SHH and BDNF may enhance nerve regeneration.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...
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...