AIM: To investigate the expression of Hedgehog signaling pathway in the mesenchymal stem cells derived from human limbal niche(LNCs).

METHODS: Culture and passage the mesenchymal stem cells derived from LNCs and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells(BMMSCs)in vitro. Using BMMSCs as a positive control, the expression of Hedgehog signaling pathway in LNCs was evaluated by Western blot, immunofluorescence and real-time PCR. Furthermore, different doses(1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30μmol/L)of GANT61(the Gli inhibitor)effect on the proliferation of LNCs and BMMSCs was detected by Cell Count Kit-8.

RESULTS:The results of Western blot, immunofluorescence and real-time PCR proved that LNCs expressed Gli-1, patched and SMO, which are the members of Hedgehog signaling. In addition, GANT61(the Gli inhibitor)inhibited the proliferation of LNCs significantly(P<0.05).

CONCLUSION:Hedgehog signaling pathway plays an important role in the proliferation of LNCs.