TGF-β/SMAD/GLI2 signaling axis in cancer progression and metastasis

Cancer Res. 2011 Sep 1;71(17):5606-10. doi: 10.1158/0008-5472.CAN-11-1194. Epub 2011 Aug 23.

Abstract

The Hedgehog (HH) and TGF-β signaling pathways represent essential regulators of cell proliferation and differentiation during embryogenesis. Pathway deregulation is a characteristic of various cancers. Recently, evidence for a convergence of these pathways at the level of the GLI2 transcription factor in the context of tumor initiation and progression to metastasis has emerged. This short review summarizes recent knowledge about GLI2 function and mechanisms of action downstream of TGF-β in cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms / genetics
  • Bone Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Breast Neoplasms / genetics
  • Breast Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology
  • Disease Progression
  • Female
  • Hedgehog Proteins / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Melanoma / genetics
  • Melanoma / metabolism
  • Melanoma / secondary
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Neoplasms / genetics
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Nuclear Proteins / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction
  • Skin Neoplasms / genetics
  • Skin Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Smad Proteins / metabolism*
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta / metabolism*
  • Zinc Finger Protein Gli2

Substances

  • GLI2 protein, human
  • Hedgehog Proteins
  • Kruppel-Like Transcription Factors
  • Nuclear Proteins
  • Smad Proteins
  • Transforming Growth Factor beta
  • Zinc Finger Protein Gli2