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Growth factor signaling pathways as targets for prevention of epithelial carcinogenesis

Okkyung Rho1, Dae Joon Kim, Karou Kiguchi

  • 1Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78723-3092, USA.

Molecular Carcinogenesis
|July 22, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Growth factor receptor (GFR) signaling drives epithelial cell growth and cancer. Inhibiting GFR pathways early can prevent epithelial cancers, including skin cancer, by reducing cell proliferation and survival.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Oncology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Growth factor receptor (GFR) signaling regulates epithelial cell growth and is activated by various stimuli.
  • Aberrant GFR signaling, induced by environmental factors like chemical toxicants and UVB, promotes epithelial cancer development, including skin cancer.
  • GFRs and their downstream pathways are implicated in all stages of carcinogenesis, influencing proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and migration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of GFR signaling in epithelial carcinogenesis.
  • To highlight the contribution of GFRs and downstream pathways to cancer development.
  • To assess the potential of targeting these pathways for cancer prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent studies, particularly those utilizing tissue-specific transgenic mouse models.
  • Analysis of the regulation of biological functions by GFR signaling during carcinogenesis.
  • Evaluation of the impact of inhibiting GFR signaling on cancer progression.

Main Results:

  • GFR signaling pathways (Stat3, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, MAPK, c-Src) are crucial for epithelial cell growth.
  • Prolonged GFR activation by toxicants and UVB contributes to skin cancer.
  • Inhibition of GFR signaling early in carcinogenesis reduces proliferation and survival, decreasing tumor formation.

Conclusions:

  • GFR signaling is a key regulator of epithelial cell proliferation, survival, and migration.
  • Targeting GFR signaling pathways offers a promising strategy for the prevention of epithelial cancers, including skin cancer.
  • Early intervention by inhibiting these pathways can impede cancer development.

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