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

TLDR Overactive signaling in hair follicles can lead to skin cancer.

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

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research Transient activation of β-catenin signalling in adult mouse epidermis is sufficient to induce new hair follicles but continuous activation is required to maintain hair follicle tumours

335 citations , March 2004 in “Development”

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

211 citations , October 2001 in “The FASEB Journal”

Noggin is necessary to start the hair growth phase in skin after birth.

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”

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745 citations , February 1992 in “Trends in genetics”

Hair follicles create different cell layers and proteins, controlled by various molecules.

research Hair Anatomy for the Clinician

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

Understanding hair follicle anatomy helps diagnose hair disorders.

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