Shh signaling pathway induces MMP-2 and MMP-9 production to promote invasiveness through FAK/AKT signaling in HCC.269 HCC’s invasive behavior was attenuated by treatment with a Smo inhibitor which partially suppressed the expression of MMPs and Gli1/2.270 In addition, target genes of HH signaling pathway such as EMT transcription factors were found overexpressed in poorly differentiated hepatoma cells in HCC. Here, GLI1 is linked to hepatocellular carcinoma.