Crosstalk between TGF-β and hedgehog signaling in cancer

Hedgehog (HH) and TGF-β signals control various aspects of embryonic development and cancer progression. While their canonical signal transduction cascades have been well characterized, there is increasing evidence that these pathways are able to exert overlapping activities that challenge efficient therapeutic targeting. We herein review the current knowledge on HH signaling and summarize the recent findings on the crosstalks between the HH and TGF-β pathways in cancer.

► Hedgehog signaling is critical during embryonic development and cancer. ► GLI transcription factors are effectors of Hedgehog signaling. ► TGF-β induces the expression GLI transcription factors. ► TGF-β allows GLI responses independent of Hedgehog signaling. ► TGF-β and Hedgehog signaling crosstalks in disease need to be better understood.