Abstract
The epidermis is the stratified epithelium that covers and protects the body from external damage. This tissue undergoes continuous cell renewal throughout the life of the individual at the expense of a pool of pluripotent cells, some of them lie in a well defined niche in the hair follicle known as the bulge. Epidermal tumours are the most frequent type of cancer in human populations, as a consequence, the development and progression of these tumours have been extensively characterised and a number of mouse models generated. Over the last years several findings suggest that a subset of cells, named cancer stem cells, could play an important role in tumour development; however, the identity of these cells remains unknown in most cases. Understanding the biology of these cells and their implication in tumour development and progression is crucial to design therapies aimed to target cancer stem cells. In this scenario, the epidermis emerges as a good model to gain deeper insight into the role of adult stem cells in carcinogenesis. Here we summarise recent findings in the field using genetically manipulated mice and how these can be translated to humans.
Keywords: Epidermis, hair follicle, cancer, stem cells, mouse models
Current Molecular Medicine
Title: On the Origin of Epidermal Cancers
Volume: 9 Issue: 3
Author(s): Corina Lorz, Carmen Segrelles and Jesus M. Paramio
Affiliation:
Keywords: Epidermis, hair follicle, cancer, stem cells, mouse models
Abstract: The epidermis is the stratified epithelium that covers and protects the body from external damage. This tissue undergoes continuous cell renewal throughout the life of the individual at the expense of a pool of pluripotent cells, some of them lie in a well defined niche in the hair follicle known as the bulge. Epidermal tumours are the most frequent type of cancer in human populations, as a consequence, the development and progression of these tumours have been extensively characterised and a number of mouse models generated. Over the last years several findings suggest that a subset of cells, named cancer stem cells, could play an important role in tumour development; however, the identity of these cells remains unknown in most cases. Understanding the biology of these cells and their implication in tumour development and progression is crucial to design therapies aimed to target cancer stem cells. In this scenario, the epidermis emerges as a good model to gain deeper insight into the role of adult stem cells in carcinogenesis. Here we summarise recent findings in the field using genetically manipulated mice and how these can be translated to humans.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Lorz Corina, Segrelles Carmen and Paramio M. Jesus, On the Origin of Epidermal Cancers, Current Molecular Medicine 2009; 9 (3) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/156652409787847227
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/156652409787847227 |
Print ISSN 1566-5240 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1875-5666 |
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Genes and Conditions Controlling Mammalian Pre- and Post-implantation Embryo Development
Current Genomics Asymmetric Dimethylarginine: Clinical Significance and Novel Therapeutic Approaches
Current Medicinal Chemistry The Ubiquitin-Proteasome System as a Prospective Molecular Target for Cancer Treatment and Prevention
Current Protein & Peptide Science Hepatocarcinogenesis and Ceramide/Cholesterol Metabolism
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Effects of Alcohol in the Lung
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews Condition Optimization and Production of Extracellular l-Arginine Deiminase from Vibrio Alginolyticus 1374
Current Biotechnology Soluble Adhesion Molecules in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Current Pharmaceutical Design Targeted Drug Delivery Systems for Lung Macrophages
Current Drug Targets Subject Index to Volume 4
Current Molecular Medicine Detection and Specific Targeting of Hypoxic Regions within Solid Tumors: Current Preclinical and Clinical Strategies
Current Medicinal Chemistry Pathway Crosstalk Analysis based on Signaling Pathway Impact Analysis in Alzheimer's Disease
Current Proteomics Analytical Methods for the Identification of Pigments in Tattoo Inks and Some of Their Physiological Side Effects: A Review
Current Pharmaceutical Analysis Pathophysiology and Biomarkers for Breast Cancer: Management Using Herbal Medicines
Current Nutrition & Food Science Copper Compounds in Cancer Chemotherapy
Current Medicinal Chemistry p53 Gene Family: Structural, Functional and Evolutionary Features
Current Genomics Mitochondria-Targeting Anticancer Metal Complexes
Current Medicinal Chemistry Discovery of Hedgehog Antagonists for Cancer Therapy
Current Medicinal Chemistry Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Axis: A Potential Target to Inhibit Tumor Angiogenesis by Dietary Agents
Current Cancer Drug Targets Targeting the p53-Family in Cancer and Chemosensitivity: Triple Threat
Current Drug Targets Hypoxia and Inflammation in Prostate Cancer Progression. Cross-talk with Androgen and Estrogen Receptors and Cancer Stem Cells
Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets