Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 2026

Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate (DMBA-TPA)
04:12

Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate (DMBA-TPA)

Published on: December 19, 2019

PKCα suppresses 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced skin tumor formation

Takeshi Hara1, Shoji Matsumura, Fumihiko Hakuno

  • 1Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8657, Japan.

Anticancer Research
|July 31, 2012
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) suppresses skin tumor formation. PKCα knockout mice developed significantly more tumors than wild-type mice, indicating its role in preventing carcinogenesis.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) is ubiquitously expressed and involved in diverse cellular signaling pathways.
  • The specific role of PKCα in the development of cancer, particularly skin carcinogenesis, is not fully understood.
  • This study investigates the function of PKCα in a chemical-induced skin cancer model.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of Protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) in skin carcinogenesis.
  • To determine if PKCα influences tumor initiation, growth, or progression.
  • To utilize a PKCα knockout mouse model for investigating its in vivo function.

Main Methods:

  • Complete skin carcinogenesis was induced in PKCα knockout and wild-type mice using 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA).
  • Tumor incidence was monitored weekly, and tumor types were histopathologically analyzed using Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining.
  • Tumor proliferation was assessed via proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) staining.

Main Results:

  • PKCα knockout mice exhibited a significantly higher average number of tumors (16.6/mouse) compared to wild-type mice (6.9/mouse) at 20 weeks.
  • No significant differences were observed in tumor growth rates or malignant grades between PKCα knockout and wild-type mice.
  • These findings suggest PKCα plays a role in suppressing initial tumor formation.

Conclusions:

  • Protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) acts as a suppressor of skin tumor formation.
  • PKCα does not appear to significantly affect the growth or progression of established skin tumors.
  • Targeting PKCα could be a potential strategy for cancer prevention.

More Related Videos

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model12:37

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model

Published on: September 7, 2013

Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis06:53

Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis

Published on: August 21, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity01:25

Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity

Mutagenicity and carcinogenicity refer to the ability of drugs to cause genetic defects and induce cancer, respectively. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies agents into four groups based on their carcinogenic potential. Group 1 agents are known human carcinogens; group 2A agents are probably carcinogenic to humans; group 3 agents lack data to support their role in carcinogenesis; and group 4 includes agents for which data support that they are not likely to be...
Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...