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Updated: May 14, 2026
07:26
Quantitative PCR-based Assay to Measure Sonic Hedgehog Signaling in Cellular Model of Ciliogenesis
Published on: January 31, 2025
Hedgehog signalling is downregulated in celiac disease
Rui Liang1, Rupert Hinds, Helen E Abud
1Key Laboratory of Developmental Diseases in Childhoold (Chongqing Medical University), Ministry of Education, China.
Summary
The hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway genes Sonic hh, Indian hh, PTCH 1, and BMP4 were significantly downregulated in children with celiac disease (CD). This suggests the Hh pathway is involved in the mucosal lesions characteristic of CD.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder in genetically susceptible individuals.
- Animal studies suggest the hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway influences gut inflammation, injury, and repair.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of Hh signalling pathway components in pediatric celiac disease patients.
- To determine if Hh pathway gene expression differs between children with CD and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Duodenal biopsies were obtained from children undergoing gastroscopy for CD diagnosis and from controls.
- RNA was extracted, and complementary DNA synthesized for gene expression analysis.
- Real-time PCR quantified messenger RNA levels for Sonic hh, Indian hh, PTCH 1, and BMP4, with relative quantification using the ΔΔCt method.
Main Results:
- Expression of Sonic hh was 58% lower, and Indian hh 44% lower in CD patients compared to controls.
- Expression of Hh receptor PTCH 1 decreased by 71%, and Hh target gene BMP4 by 42% in CD patients.
- All examined Hh signalling pathway genes showed consistent downregulation in untreated CD.
Conclusions:
- Hedgehog signalling pathway genes are downregulated in children with untreated celiac disease.
- These findings indicate a potential role for the Hh signalling pathway in the pathogenesis of CD-related mucosal lesions.
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