Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling is a developmental signal cascade that plays an essential
role in regulating embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Here, we investigated the
potential role of Shh signaling in renal interstitial fibrogenesis. Ureteral obstruction induced
Shh, predominantly in the renal tubular epithelium of the fibrotic kidneys. Using Gli1 lacZ
knock-in mice, we identified renal interstitial fibroblasts as Shh-responding cells. In cultured
renal fibroblasts, recombinant Shh protein activated Gli1 and induced α-smooth muscle actin …