The Hedgehog-GLI1 Pathway Is Important for Fibroproliferative Properties in Keloids and as a Candidate Therapeutic Target

The study identifies the HEDGEHOG (HH)-GLI1 pathway as crucial in the development of keloids, which are benign fibroproliferative skin tumors. Researchers found that stem-like cells from keloid lesions and surrounding dermis exhibit different characteristics compared to normal skin, with upregulated HH and GLI1 expression. Inhibiting this pathway reduced the expression of keloid-related genes and fibrosis-inducing cytokines. The HH signal inhibitor vismodegib was effective in reducing keloid tumor size and gene expression in both nude mice and ex vivo keloid tissue cultures. These findings suggest that targeting the HH-GLI1 pathway could be a promising therapeutic approach for treating keloids.