The role of hedgehog signaling pathway in liver regeneration.
OBJECTIVE
In this study, we explored the role of the Hedgehog signaling pathway in liver regeneration.


METHODS
Retrorsine, partial hepatectomy and combined were utilized in mature Fisher344 rats. Specific assays, such as RT-PCR, real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the constituents of the Hedgehog signaling pathway during liver regeneration.


RESULTS
mRNA expression of Ihh, Ptc, Smo, Gli1, Gli2 and Gli3 were all shown in liver tissue homogenates in control/normal, retrorsine, partial hepatectomy and retrorsine/partial hepatectomy groups while no Shh expression was found. Real-time PCR analysis indicated that there were significant differences in Hedgehog signaling pathway-related constituents (Ihh, Ptc, Gli1 and Gli3) among the different treatment groups and at distinct time points in the same treatment group during liver regeneration. The data also suggested an interaction effect between different treatment and time to the variation of Ihh, Ptc, Gli1 and Gli3. The protein expression of Ptc and Gli1 in liver regeneration was confirmed by immunohistochemistry, which differed in the duration among different groups. Nevertheless, the protein expression of Ptc and Gli1 were not detected successfully by western blot.


CONCLUSIONS
It appears that the Hedgehog signaling pathway may be involved in liver regeneration.
Department of Gastroenterology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
Yidong
Y
Cai
Haoxuan
H
Zheng
Wei
W
Gong
Yufang
Y
Che
Bo
B
Jiang
D000818:Animals; D053823:Hedgehog Proteins / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D051741:Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics; D008115:Liver Regeneration / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D000072079:Patched Receptors; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D011916:Rats, Inbred F344; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000235:genetics; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D000071676:Zinc Finger Protein GLI1
C498521:Gli1 protein, rat; D053823:Hedgehog Proteins; D051741:Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors; D000072079:Patched Receptors; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface; D000071676:Zinc Finger Protein GLI1