Role of Hedgehog pathway in myogenic differentiation

Research topic:

The project aims to decipher the role of primary cilium and primary cilium-mediated Hedgehog signaling during myogenic differentiation. In collaboration with Henri Mondor University Hospital, we use primary human myoblasts obtained from patients undergoing diagnostic muscle biopsies (in compliance with ethical regulations and informed consent). These cells are induced to differentiate and fuse in vitro. Using immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, RT-qPCR, Western blot, and RNA-seq, we investigate how primary cilium contributes to skeletal muscle lineage commitment. Our preliminary results indicate activation of the Hedgehog pathway at the onset of myogenic differentiation. We now aim to confirm this by modulating the pathway in vitro and analyzing its effects on muscle cell fate.