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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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effect of PLGA-PEG scaffold incorporating angiopoietin 1(Ang1) loaded nanoparticle that was injected into the infarcted area of rat heart to protect the heart from infarction and explore potential mechanisms. Methods Rat models of myocardial infarction were replicated,and one week later SD rats were randomly divided into 3 groups:Ang1-PLGA-PEG injection group [injected with 100 μL nanoparticle suspension, about (1.61±0.05)μg Ang1](n=9),Ang1 injection group[injected with PBS solution of angiopoietin1(100 μL, 25 ng/μL)](n=8),the model control group(injected with 100 μL PBS solution)(n=8). Four weeks after injection,cardiac function was examined by echocardiography,scar tissue hyperplasia was measured by Masson staining, cardiomyocyte apoptosis and angiogenesis were detected by immunofluorescence. Results In comparison with other two groups,Ang1-PLGA-PEG injection group showed an increased blood vessel density in the infarcted area and maturity(P＜0.05),which prevented cardiomyocyte apoptosis (P＜0.05) The area of myocardial infarction was significantly decreased(P＜0.05), the remodeling of cardiomyopathy was reduced and these changes improved cardiac function (P＜0.05). Compared with the model control group, pure Ang1 injected into the surrounding area did not show curative effect (P＜0.05). Conclusions Injection of Ang1-PLGA-PEG nanoparticles into the infarcted area of left ventricle may promote vascular proliferation and facilitate the survival of cardiomyocytes,It provides an experimental basis for clinical application.

The hemolymph–testis barrier (HTB) is a reproduction barrier in Crustacea, guaranteeing the safe and smooth process of spermatogenesis, which is similar to the blood–testis barrier (BTB) in mammals. The MAPK signaling pathway plays an essential role in spermatogenesis and maintenance of the BTB. However, only a few studies have focused on the influence of MAPK on crustacean reproduction. In the present study, we knocked down and inhibited MAPK in Eriocheir sinensis. Increased defects in spermatogenesis were observed, concurrently with a damaged HTB. Further research revealed that es-MMP14 functions downstream of ERK and p38 MAPK and degrades junctional proteins (Pinin and ZO-1); es-CREB functions in the ERK cascade as a transcription factor of ZO-1. In addition, when es-MMP14 and es-CREB were deleted, the defects in HTB and spermatogenesis aligned with abnormalities in the MAPK. However, JNK impacts the integrity of the HTB by changing the distribution of intercellular junctions. In summary, the MAPK signaling pathway maintains HTB integrity and spermatogenesis through es-MMP14 and es-CREB, which provides insights into the evolution of gene function during barrier evolution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]