Molecular pathways regulating pro-migratory effects of Hedgehog signaling

J Biol Chem. 2006 Nov 10;281(45):33860-70. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M605905200. Epub 2006 Aug 30.

Abstract

The Hedgehog proteins play a crucial role in metazoan embryo development. Constitutive activation of the pathway is associated with multiple types of cancer. Recent experimental data suggest involvement of Hedgehog signaling in vascular remodeling, germ cell migration, and axon guidance. The molecular mechanisms underlying these effects remain elusive. Here we show that yolk sac-derived endothelial cells and embryonic fibroblasts can directly respond to the Hedgehog signal by increased migration in an in vitro scratch (wound) assay. We also identify Hedgehog transcriptional target genes in these cells, many of which participate in cell migration, axon guidance, and angiogenesis processes. Inhibition of one such molecular pathway, neuropilin-flavomonooxygenase, blocks Hedgehog-induced cell migration. These findings suggest that Hedgehog signaling directly affects embryonic endothelial and fibroblast cell migration via molecules and pathways known to regulate cell migration in response to a variety of environmental cues.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Axons / metabolism
  • Biomarkers / metabolism
  • Cell Movement / physiology*
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Embryo, Mammalian / metabolism
  • Endothelium, Vascular / metabolism
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Hedgehog Proteins / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Kidney / cytology
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C3H
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Microarray Analysis
  • NIH 3T3 Cells
  • Neovascularization, Physiologic / physiology
  • Neuropilins / metabolism
  • RNA Interference
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • Yolk Sac / cytology
  • Yolk Sac / metabolism

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • Neuropilins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • SHH protein, human
  • Shh protein, mouse