Understanding of molecular basis by which Indian hedgehog signaling regulates osteoblast differentiation

印度刺猬（Ihh）已被证明在包括骨骼组织在内的多种组织的发育中发挥重要作用。特别地，Ihh通过调节成骨细胞和软骨细胞分化来进行骨形成。在本研究中，为了了解Ihh的作用机制，我们研究了Ihh信号通路的机制和作用。我们发现Ihh控制转录因子Gli家族成员的表达和功能，从而调节成骨细胞的分化。此外，我们证明了Ihh信号传导与骨形态发生蛋白2（BMP 2）信号传导和Runx2合作，并且这种串扰增强了成骨细胞分化。

Indian hedgehog (Ihh) has been shown to play important roles in development of several tissues including skeletal tissues. In particular, Ihh conducts bone formation by regulating osteoblast and chondrocyte differentiation. In this study, to understand the mechanisms of Ihh, we investigated mechanisms and roles of Ihh signaling pathway. We found that Ihh controls expression and function of transcription factors, Gli family members, thereby regulating osteoblast differentiation. Furthermore, we demonstrated that Ihh signaling collaborates with Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) signaling and Runx2, and that this cross-talk enhances osteoblast differentiation.