GLI1 and hepatocellular carcinoma: Given that the immunofluorescent staining of Gli-1 on mouse liver sections showed increasing activation of Hedgehog signaling pathway in hepatocytes in the progression of NASH-HCC (Figure 6D), the altered secretory protein profile from senescent HSCs might be essential factors contributing to sustained activation of Hedgehog signaling pathway in driving steatotic or dysplastic hepatocytes towards malignant transformation.