Calcineurin/Nuclear Factor of Activated T-Cell Pathway in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The study reviewed the role of the calcineurin/NFAT pathway in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC), noting that calcineurin inhibitors, used as immunosuppressants, were linked to a higher incidence of CSCC compared to mTOR inhibitors. The pathway was crucial in tumor initiation and development, with NFATc1 maintaining skin stem cell quiescence but promoting tumor formation when activated. Dysregulation of this pathway contributed to abnormal keratinocyte behavior and tumorigenesis. The study emphasized the need for further research on isoform-specific NFAT functions in CSCC and suggested potential therapeutic benefits of targeting the NFAT pathway to manage CSCC.