How does Hedgehog signaling participate in the cross-interaction of hormones and testis development?

Abstract

Hedgehog (HH) signaling has been researched for decades and Hedgehog has 3 homologs: Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Indian Hedgehog (Ihh), and Desert Hedgehog (Dhh). Dhh is the one involved in male gonad and germ cell development. The distribution of molecules in Hedgehog signaling in testis indicated that Hedgehog signaling executes important functions during testis development. The patients with Dhh signaling deficiency develop dysgenesis of gonads and hormone production which demands further exploration of gonad HH signaling. Some results proved the indispensable roles of HH signaling in gonad and germ cell development and the interaction with hormones. This review evaluates HH functions in the testis and how HH affects and is affected by hormones and provides novel insights about HH signaling to the readers.