Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 8, 2025
08:19
Evaluation of Keratinocyte Proliferation on Two- and Three-dimensional Type I Collagen Substrates
Published on: April 22, 2019
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From Enhancers to Keratinocyte Cancers
1Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn Epigenetics Institute, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|April 23, 2021
Summary
Epigenetic changes and gene enhancer disruptions are common in cancer but poorly understood in skin cancers. This study integrates enhancer and transcriptional data to reveal mechanisms in basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Epigenetic dysregulation is a hallmark of many human cancers.
- Gene enhancer networks play critical roles in cellular function and development.
- The specific roles of epigenetic alterations and enhancer disruptions in keratinocyte cancers remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms underlying the progression of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
- To integrate epigenetic and transcriptional alterations in keratinocyte cancers.
- To provide an initial framework for understanding enhancer and transcriptional changes during skin cancer progression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of patient-derived samples.
- Integration of enhancer activity data.
- Assessment of transcriptional alterations.
Main Results:
- Identification of specific epigenetic and enhancer network alterations in BCC and SCC.
- Correlation between enhancer activity changes and gene expression patterns.
- Establishment of a framework linking molecular changes to cancer progression.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic dysregulation and enhancer network disruption are key features in keratinocyte cancer progression.
- Understanding these mechanisms can inform future therapeutic strategies.
- This study provides a foundation for further research into skin cancer pathogenesis.
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