Expression analysis of several genes playing role in hedgehog signal transduction in celiac patients

Celiac disease (CD) is a systemic autoimmune enteropathy triggered by the consumption of gluten containing foods in genetically susceptible patients. The genetic factors having role in development of this multifactorial disease is not well known. Previous studies indicated that there is an association between several HLA alleles and CD, however non-HLA genetic factors have not been clearly understood yet. The hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway has a critical role in normal mammalian gastrointestinal tract development. HH signaling engages Ptch, Smo and the Gli family of transcription factors and in normal cellular processes is involved in embryogenesis, tissue patterning, stem cell function, and differentiation. Dysregulation and anormal activation of Hh signalling have been shown to be associated with several types of tumors. It was reported that the upregulated genes in celiac disease harbor the transcription factor binding site for GLI. Therefore it is thought that the Hh signalling might have a role in the development of CD. The aim of this study is to investigate the association of Ptch1, Smo, Shh, Ihh and Gli1 genes with Celiac Disease. RNA isolation, cDNA synthesis and qRT-PCR analysis were performed in duedonal biopsy specimens obtained from 35 CD patients and 35 control subjects. Although, a downregulation in Ptch1 and an upregulation of Gli1 were observed in CD patients compared to the control group, the level of difference for all genes were not statistically important (p>0.05). Keywords: Celiac disease, Hedhehog, gene expression