Hedgehog and adipogenesis: fat and fiction

Biochimie. 2007 Dec;89(12):1447-53. doi: 10.1016/j.biochi.2007.08.012. Epub 2007 Sep 2.

Abstract

Morphogenes, abundantly described during embryogenesis have recently emerged as crucial modulators of cell differentiation processes. Hedgehog signaling, the dysregulation of which causing several pathologies such as congenital defects and cancer, is involved in several cell differentiation processes including adipogenesis. This review presents an overview of the relations between Hedgehog signaling, adipocyte differentiation and fat mass. While the anti-adipogenic role of Hedgehog signaling seems to be established, the effect of Hedgehog inhibition on adipocyte differentiation in vitro remains debated. Finally, Hedgehog potential as a pharmacological target to treat fat mass disorders is discussed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes / cytology*
  • Adipocytes / metabolism
  • Adipogenesis*
  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation
  • Hedgehog Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Hedgehog Proteins / metabolism*
  • Lipodystrophy / metabolism
  • Models, Biological
  • Obesity / genetics*
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Hedgehog Proteins