Desert Hedgehog mediates stem Leydig cell differentiation through Ptch2/Gli1/Sf1 signaling axis
Changle Zhao, Ya'nan Chen, Lei Liu, Xiang Liu, Hesheng Xiao, Feilong Wang, Qin Huang, Xiangyan Dai, Wenjing Tao, Deshou Wang, Jing Wei
This study identifies the Dhh-Ptch2-Gli1-Sf1 signaling axis as critical for stem Leydig cell differentiation in Nile tilapia, showing Dhh regulates differentiation, Ptch2 acts as the receptor, Gli1 as the transcriptional effector, and Sf1 as the downstream effector.
eLife · Jun 29, 2026Peer-reviewedDevelopmental Biology