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Updated: Feb 17, 2026

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

Published on: December 19, 2019

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PKK deletion in basal keratinocytes promotes tumorigenesis after chemical carcinogenesis

Luojing Chen1, Matthew S Hayden2,3, Elaine S Gilmore4

  • 1Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Rochester School of Medicine, USA.

Carcinogenesis
|November 30, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Protein kinase C-associated kinase (PKK) acts as a tumor suppressor in skin cancer. PKK deficiency promotes squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) development, highlighting its critical role in skin keratinocyte tumor suppression.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Dermatology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a common skin cancer with limited targeted therapy options.
  • The pathogenesis of SCC remains incompletely understood, hindering therapeutic advancements.
  • Protein kinase C-associated kinase (PKK) has been identified as a potential tumor suppressor in SCC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of PKK in the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
  • To characterize a novel conditional PKK knockout mouse model for SCC research.
  • To elucidate the molecular interactions of PKK in skin keratinocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a novel conditional PKK knockout mouse model.
  • Chemically induced skin tumorigenesis in the PKK knockout model.
  • Analysis of molecular interactions involving PKK, TP63, and NF-κB signaling.

Main Results:

  • PKK deficiency significantly promotes SCC formation in a chemically induced tumorigenesis model.
  • PKK functions as a tumor suppressor in skin keratinocytes.
  • PKK interacts with TP63 and NF-κB signaling pathways in SCC pathogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • PKK is a crucial tumor suppressor in the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
  • The findings provide new insights into SCC pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets.
  • Targeting PKK or its interacting pathways may offer novel treatment strategies for SCC.

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