Canonical Wnt signaling regulates Nkx3.1 expression and luminal epithelial differentiation during prostate organogenesis.

Background: The formation of the prostate gland requires reciprocal interactions between the epithelial and mesenchymal components of the embryonic urogenital sinus. However, the identity of the signaling factors that mediate these interactions is largely unknown.

Results: Our studies show that expression of the prostate-specific transcription factor Nkx3.

Roles for Hedgehog signaling in androgen production and prostate ductal morphogenesis.

Previous studies have demonstrated that the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a critical role in the development and patterning of many endodermally derived tissues. We have investigated the role of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) in formation of the prostate gland by examining the urogenital phenotype of Shh mutant fetuses. Consistent with earlier work reporting an essential role for Shh in prostate induction, we have found that Shh mutant fetuses display abnormal urogenital development and fail to form prostate buds.