Twist1 Is Required for the Development of UVB-Induced Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The study demonstrated that the transcription factor Twist1 played a crucial role in UVB-induced skin carcinogenesis. Using K5.Cre × Twist1 flox/flox mice, researchers found that the deletion of Twist1 in basal keratinocytes significantly reduced UVB-induced epidermal hyperproliferation and skin carcinogenesis. The absence of Twist1 led to keratinocyte differentiation, marked by the induction of differentiation markers such as TG1, K1, OVOL1, loricrin, and filaggrin. Conversely, overexpression of Twist1 suppressed differentiation. Additionally, Twist1 deletion resulted in the loss of hair follicle stem/progenitor markers. These findings suggested that Twist1 was essential for maintaining the balance between proliferation and differentiation in keratinocytes and could be a potential target for preventing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.