Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 29, 2025
07:29
Characterization of In Vitro Differentiation of Human Primary Keratinocytes by RNA-Seq Analysis
Published on: May 16, 2020
6.5K
Epigenetic Alterations in Keratinocyte Carcinoma
Qiuming Yao1, Charles B Epstein2, Samridhi Banskota2
1Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|November 19, 2020
Summary
Epigenetic changes in histone acetylation reveal distinct regulatory elements and pathways in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). These findings offer new targets for keratinocyte carcinoma drug discovery.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Epigenetics
- Oncology
Background:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) originate from epidermal keratinocytes but exhibit diverse phenotypes.
- Understanding epigenetic alterations, particularly histone modifications, is crucial for elucidating keratinocyte carcinogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in the enhancer-associated histone acetylation mark H3K27ac in BCC and SCC.
- To identify cancer-specific enhancers and altered biological pathways in these skin cancers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of matched tumor-normal pairs from 11 patients (5 BCC, 6 SCC) undergoing Mohs surgery.
- Mapping differential H3K27ac peaks to identify cancer-specific enhancers.
- Pathway enrichment analysis and transcription factor identification.
Main Results:
- Identified cancer-specific enhancers based on differential H3K27ac peaks.
- Found enriched epidermal development and Wnt signaling pathways in BCCs.
- Observed enriched immune response and cell activation pathways in SCCs, implicating SMAD, JDP2, and FOXP1 transcription factors.
Conclusions:
- Highlighted unique and shared epigenetic alterations in histone modifications for BCC and SCC.
- Prioritized key regulatory loci (FGFR2, FOXP1, WNT5A) for further investigation.
- Findings provide a foundation for targeted drug discovery in keratinocyte carcinomas.
Related Concept Videos
01:37Epigenetic Regulation
3.5K
Epigenetic changes alter the physical structure of the DNA without changing the genetic sequence and often regulate whether genes are turned on or off. This regulation ensures that each cell produces only proteins necessary for its function. For example, proteins that promote bone growth are not produced in muscle cells. Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
X-chromosome...
X-chromosome...
3.5K
01:46Epigenetic Regulation
32.7K
Epigenetic mechanisms play an essential role in healthy development. Conversely, precisely regulated epigenetic mechanisms are disrupted in diseases like cancer.
32.7K
03:17Inheritance of Chromatin Structures
7.0K
Epigenetics is the study of inherited changes in a cell's phenotype without changing the DNA sequences. It provides a form of memory for the differential gene expression pattern to maintain cell lineage, position-effect variegation, dosage compensation, and maintenance of chromatin structures such as telomeres and centromeres. For example, the structure and location of the centromere on chromosomes are epigenetically inherited. Its functionality is not dictated or ensured by the underlying...
7.0K
01:12Renewal of Skin Epidermal Stem Cells
2.8K
The skin is divided into epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis, the skin's outermost, middle, and inner layers. The human epidermal layer regularly undergoes renewal, where old, dead cells are replaced by new cells. Epidermal stem cells or EpiSCs divide and differentiate to restore the lost cells. For the renewal process, some EpiSCs continuously self-renew. In contrast, few others differentiate into transit-amplifying cells, which later form prickle or spinous cells, followed by granular...
2.8K
01:30Skin Cancer
5.4K
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...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
5.4K
01:12Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions
5.5K
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...
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...
5.5K