Skin Stem Cells And Tumor Growth: Functions Of Collagen XVIII In Hair Follicle Cycling And Skin Cancer, And Bmx Tyrosine Kinase In Tumor Angiogenesis

This PhD study explored the roles of collagen XVIII and Bmx tyrosine kinase in hair follicle cycling and skin cancer. Collagen XVIII, a proteoglycan found in hair follicle stem cells and malignant skin carcinoma cells, was shown to be crucial for hemidesmosome structure and function, affecting stem cell viability and hair follicle cycling. Mice lacking collagen XVIII exhibited fewer chemically induced skin tumors, likely due to increased apoptosis and reduced stemness of tumor cells. Additionally, the study investigated Bmx, a protein tyrosine kinase, revealing its role in promoting tumor growth and angiogenesis by mediating VEGF signaling. These findings highlighted the significance of collagen XVIII and Bmx in skin stem cell function and tumor progression.