The role of sonic-hedgehog signaling on ureteral peristalsis in a murine and porcine model.

我们的目的是研究控制输尿管狭窄的分子机制。我们的研究将在鼠和猪模型中进行。输尿管积水的无功能性与称为肾积水（肾脏肿胀）的情况有关，这种情况见于各种先天性疾病。这些疾病背后的病理机制目前尚不清楚。最近的一个分子途径（音刺猬）已被证明在输尿管扩张的早期发育中发挥关键作用。由于尚不清楚Sonic Hedgehog是否也参与维持成人尿路中的输尿管扩张，我们开发了小鼠和猪模型来研究这种复杂途径的作用。

We are aiming to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in controlling ureteral peristalsis. Our studies will be carried out in murine and porcine models. The non-functioning of ureteral peristalsis is associated with a condition called hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidney) which is seen in various congenital diseases. So far the pathological mechanism behind these diseases are unclear. Lately a molecular pathway (sonic hedgehog) has been shown to play a critical role in the adequate functioning of ureteral peristalsis in early development. Since it is unknown if Sonic Hedgehog is also involved in maintaining ureteral peristalsis in the adult urinary tract we developed a murine and a porcine model to investigate the role of this complex pathway.