Germline stem cells (GSCs) are adult stem cells that are responsible for the production of gametes and include spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) and ovarian germline stem cells (OGSCs). GSCs are located in a specialized microenvironment in the gonads called the niche. Many recent studies have demonstrated that multiple signals in the niche jointly regulate the proliferation and differentiation of GSCs, which is of significance for reproductive function. Previous studies have demonstrated that the hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway participates in the proliferation and differentiation of various stem cells, including GSCs in Drosophila and male mammals. Furthermore, the discovery of mammalian OGSCs challenged the traditional opinion that the number of primary follicles is fixed in postnatal mammals, which is of significance for the reproductive ability of female mammals and the treatment of diseases related to germ cells. Meanwhile, it still remains to be determined whether the Hh signaling pathway participates in the regulation of the behavior of OGSCs. Herein, we review the current research on the role of the Hh signaling pathway in mediating the behavior of GSCs. In addition, some suggestions for future research are proposed.

IFT57是一种纤(鞭)毛内转运蛋白,其功能与信号通路的转导相关.该研究通过改变IFT57表达水平后,观察其对结肠癌SW480细胞增殖能力的影响,探讨IFT57基因改变SW480增殖能力的分子机制.首先,构建IFT57过表达及干扰质粒,分别转染结肠癌SW480细胞株后,采用Realtime PCR及Western blot技术检测Hedgehog信号通路关键转录因子Gli1、主要靶基因CyclinD1的表达水平变化;采用CCK-8法及BrdU法检测SW480活性及增殖能力的情况.成功构建了IFT57高表达质粒及3个shRNA质粒并筛选出干扰效率最高的1个(P＜0.05).将IFT57过表达质粒转染SW480细胞株后,Hedgehog信号通路活性升高,细胞活性和增殖能力增强(P＜0.05);当沉默IFT57表达后,Hedgehog信号通路活性下降,细胞的活性及增殖能力降低(P＜0.05).以上结果提示,IFT57表达水平可影响结肠癌SW480细胞株活性及增殖能力,其可能机制是通过调控Hedgehog信号通路活性来影响SW480细胞的增殖活力.