Regulation of hematopoiesis by hedgehog signaling (Review)

Hedgehog (Hh) signaling has a fundamental role in embryonic organogenesis, tissue repair, and the proliferation and differentiation of various cells, such as the hierarchy of blood cells. At present, the role of Hh signaling in hematopoiesis remains unclear. The present review highlighted recent findings focused on Hh signaling in the regulation of hematopoietic development during the early embryonic stage, and the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells in adults. A greater understanding of the role of Hh signaling in fetal and postnatal hematopoiesis would provide therapeutic strategies to maintain hematopoietic homeostasis and enhance hematopoietic reconstruction through targeting of the Hh cascade.