Sox9 Expression in Canine Epithelial Skin Tumors

The study investigated Sox9 expression in 11 types of canine epithelial skin tumors using immunohistochemical staining, finding that Sox9 was expressed variably in all examined neoplasms except subungual keratoacanthoma. Higher Sox9 levels were observed in malignant tumors and those related to hair follicles, such as trichoblastomas, indicating a strong link between Sox9 and hair follicle stem cells. Sox9 was prominent in basal and suprabasal cells of tricholemmomas and trichoepitheliomas, while squamous cell carcinomas showed irregular positivity. The findings suggested Sox9 as a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target, contributing to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms and stem cell biology of canine skin tumors.