Hair Follicle Differentiation-Specific Keratin Expression in Human Basal Cell Carcinoma

October 2019 in “ Clinical and Experimental Dermatology ”

Huw Morgan, A. Benketah, Carlotta Olivero, Elise Rees, S. Ziaj, A. Mukhtar, Simone Lanfredini, Girish K. Patel

hair follicle keratin basal cell carcinoma differentiation cancer stem cells skin cancer

Studysummary Targeted therapies promoting differentiation could help treat basal cell carcinoma by exhausting cancer stem cells.

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The study investigated the differentiation pattern within basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) by examining hair follicle differentiation-specific keratin expression. The findings provided insights into the differentiation processes in BCCs, which could be leveraged to develop targeted therapies. These therapies aimed to promote differentiation and lead to the exhaustion of BCC cancer stem cells, potentially offering a novel approach to treating this type of skin cancer.

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Research cited in this study

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research A Slow-Cycling LGR5 Tumor Population Mediates Basal Cell Carcinoma Relapse After Therapy

105 citations , October 2018 in “Nature”

This study found that vismodegib promotes Basal cell carcinoma regression by inducing tumor differentiation but leaves a small population of quiescent cells that can drive relapse, which can be eliminated by adding a Wnt signaling inhibitor.

research Basal Cell Carcinomas in Mice Arise from Hair Follicle Stem Cells and Multiple Epithelial Progenitor Populations

178 citations , April 2011 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation”

This study found that the phenotype of Hedgehog/Gli-driven skin tumors in mice depends on the cell of origin, tissue context, and level of oncogenic signaling.

research Identification of the Cell Lineage at the Origin of Basal Cell Carcinoma

351 citations , February 2010 in “Nature Cell Biology”

Basal cell carcinoma mostly starts from cells in the upper skin layers, not hair follicle stem cells.

research Hair Follicle-Specific Keratins And Their Diseases

138 citations , March 2007 in “Experimental cell research”

This review discusses hair keratins and hair follicle-specific epithelial keratins and their association with inherited hair disorders, reporting no new clinical results.