Dual regulation of decorin by androgen and Hedgehog signaling during prostate morphogenesis.

Background: Prostate ductal branching morphogenesis involves a complex spatiotemporal regulation of cellular proliferation and remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) around the developing ducts. Decorin (Dcn) is a small leucine-rich proteoglycan known to sequester several growth factors and to act as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer.

Results: Dcn expression in the developing prostate paralleled branching morphogenesis and was dynamically regulated by androgen and Hedgehog (Hh) signaling.