Molecular Conversations and the Development of the Hair Follicle and Basal Cell Carcinoma

September 2010 in “ Cancer Prevention Research ”

Pamela Jo Harris, Naoko Takebe, S. Percy Ivy

basal cell carcinoma hair follicle Sonic hedgehog signaling insulin-like growth factor IGF axis IGF binding protein-2 stem cell niche cell differentiation BCC Shh signaling IGFBP-2

Studysummary This study suggests that IGFBP-2 may play a role in basal cell carcinoma development by mediating epidermal progenitor cell expansion in hair follicles with activated Shh signaling.

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The document explored the molecular mechanisms involved in hair follicle development and their connection to basal cell carcinoma (BCC), focusing on the critical role of Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling and its interaction with the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis. It found that IGF binding protein-2 (IGFBP-2) was overexpressed in hair follicle cells of mice with activated Shh signaling, leading to an expansion of the stem cell niche and inhibition of cell differentiation. This overexpression was also observed in human BCC samples, suggesting a link between Ptch1 mutations, IGFBP-2 overexpression, and BCC formation. The study emphasized the need for further research to explore these molecular interactions and their implications for BCC development. Understanding these pathways was crucial for developing targeted therapies for BCC and improving hair follicle-related conditions.

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Research cited in this study

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research The Hair Cycle

375 citations , February 2006 in “Journal of Cell Science”

This article reviews the stages and regulation of the hair cycle, highlighting molecular regulators involved, but it does not present new research findings.

research Transient Activation of Beta-Catenin Signaling in Adult Mouse Epidermis Induces New Hair Follicles, Continuous Activation Maintains Tumors

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This study found that continuous β-catenin signaling in adult mouse epidermis can reprogram hair follicles to form benign tumors, which regress after the signaling is discontinued.

research Noggin Is Required for Induction of the Hair Follicle Growth Phase in Postnatal Skin

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This study found that the BMP antagonist noggin induces hair growth in postnatal skin by neutralizing BMP4's inhibitory activity, potentially mediated by changes in Shh expression.

research The Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor Is Expressed by Epithelial Cells with Proliferative Potential in Human Epidermis and Skin Appendages: Correlation of Increased Expression with Epidermal Hyperplasia

128 citations , March 1996 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology”

Increased IGF-1R expression is linked to thicker skin growth.

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745 citations , February 1992 in “Trends in genetics”

This article describes the potential role of various growth factors and molecules in regulating mammalian hair follicle development but does not present new experimental results.

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139 citations , July 1991 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article discusses the structure of hair follicles and their significance in evaluating hair disorders, but it does not report any new research findings.