Mommy, Where Do Tumors Come From? The Origins of Basal Cell Carcinomas

The article discussed the origins of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), presenting evidence that BCCs could arise from hair follicle stem cells, particularly when these cells acquire oncogenic mutations and leave their niche. Using engineered mouse models, the research highlighted the role of Hedgehog (Hh) signaling in BCC development, with varying levels of Hh activation leading to different tumor types. The findings suggested that understanding the cell of origin could improve early cancer detection and treatment.