The Hedgehog Pathway Promotes Monocytes Infiltration Through CCL20-CCR6 Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading cancers worldwide, and its development is strongly associated with the tumour microenvironment, particularly fibrosis and chronic inflammation. This study aims to investigate the role of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, a key signalling pathway in HCC progression, in the interaction between HCC cells and monocytes, which are central players in inflammation. Using a transwell migration assay, GLI1, the downstream transcriptional effector of the Hh pathway in HCC cells, was found to promote the migration of THP-1 monocyte cells. Among the cytokines regulated by the Hh pathway in HCC cells, CCL20 was identified as a crucial factor that interacts with CCR6 in THP-1 cells to facilitate migration. Next, using a luciferase reporter assay and chromati

SUBMITTER: Chu PH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12413313 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature