Induction of Basal Cell Carcinomas and Trichoepitheliomas in Mice Overexpressing GLI-1

The study found that overexpressing the human GLI-1 gene in mice led to the development of skin tumors similar to human basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and trichoepitheliomas. This research demonstrated that the activation of the Sonic hedgehog/Patched signaling pathway via GLI-1 was crucial for tumor development, independent of mutations in the p53 and Ha ras genes. The study suggested that GLI-1 played a significant role in the pathogenesis of BCCs and related neoplasias, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. The transgenic mouse model used in the study provided valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms of BCCs and other hair follicle-derived tumors.