Mechanism of transcription factor GLI1 in the tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis of tumors

330006, China. Abstract The mammalian animal gene family Hedgehog includes three members, namely, Sonic hedgehog (SHH), Desert hedgehog, and Indian hedgehog. As one of the classical signaling pathways, the SHH signaling pathway has a crucial function in the processes of embryogenesis, development, and tissue regeneration. GLI1 is one of the most important transcription factors in this path- way. Abnormal GLI1 activation is closely related to fibrosis repair, tumorigenesis, invasion and metastasis of tumors, and tumor drug re- sistance and prognosis. This article briefly describes the relationship among GLI1, tumorigenesis, and tumor development.