[Up-regulating effect of leptin on Hedgehog signaling pathway in the process of adipocyte differentiation and maturity].

Abstract To study the regulating effect of leptin on Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. 3T3-L1 cells were used to induce adipocyte differentiation. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were performed to detect the mRNA and protein levels of Gli, the key molecule in Hh signaling pathway, and investigate the effect of leptin on the levels in the process of adipocyte differentiation. At 0, 4, 7, 10 days of adipose differentiation, mRNA and protein expressions of Gli1, Gli2 and Gli3 in Hh signaling pathway were gradually restrained and the down-regulation of Gli1 mRNA was the most significant. However, 100 ng/mL leptin promoted the mRNA and protein expressions of Gli1, Gli2 and Gli3 during adipose differentiation. In the process of adipocyte differentiation and maturity, there is an interaction between leptin and Hh signaling pathway. Leptin can upregulate the expression of Gli in Hh pathway, and leptin may play a role in the inhibition of adipogenesis through activating Hh signaling pathway.