Diverse functions of Hedgehog signaling in formation and physiology of steroidogenic organs.
Adrenal, testis, and ovary are steroidogenic organs derived from a common primordium that consists of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1)-positive precursor cells. SF1 not only defines the steroidogenic lineages in these organs but also controls their differentiation. Recent evidence implicates the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway as a downstream regulator of SF1 in the appearance of steroidogenic cells in these organs. The Hh signaling pathway serves as a common crosstalk component, yet has evolved diverse functions in the expansion and differentiation of the steroidogenic cells in a tissue-specific manner. The purpose of this review is to compare and contrast the different roles of Hh signaling in these three organs during development.
Huang
Chen-Che Jeff
CC
Department of Veterinary Biosciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61802, USA.
Yao
Humphrey Hung-Chang
HH
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D019070:Cell Lineage; D005260:Female; D053823:Hedgehog Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D010053:Ovary / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D013737:Testis / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology / Q000378:metabolism
D053823:Hedgehog Proteins