Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 14, 2026

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells
Published on: June 7, 2019
The dynamics of mutational selection in cutaneous squamous carcinogenesis
Greta Skrupskelyte1, Joanna C Fowler2, Stefan Dentro2,3,4
1Cambridge Stem cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Identifying cancer-driving genes requires analyzing selection dynamics. This study in mice revealed distinct genetic pathways in skin cancer, highlighting the importance of examining normal tissue alongside tumors to pinpoint key mutations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Identifying genes driving cancer (carcinogenesis) is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
- Understanding the evolutionary processes of cancer development is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamics of mutational selection during skin carcinogenesis using a mouse model.
- To identify genetic routes and key driver genes in ultraviolet light-induced skin cancer.
Main Methods:
- Applied two selection metrics to analyze mutational data.
- Sequenced normal skin and tumors over a time course in a mouse model.
- Studied genetic alterations in ultraviolet light-driven skin carcinogenesis.
Main Results:
- Identified two distinct genetic pathways leading to squamous cell carcinoma.
- Nonsynonymous Trp53 mutants were positively selected in 90% of tumors.
- Other oncogenic mutations (e.g., Kras) and negatively selected genes were identified in normal skin and tumors.
Conclusions:
- Analyzing selection in normal tissue alongside tumors provides a clearer picture of carcinogenesis dynamics.
- This approach can refine the identification of cancer driver genes.
- Understanding mutational selection is key for cancer intervention strategies.
More Related Videos
04:12Chemical-Induced Skin Carcinogenesis Model Using Dimethylbenz[a]Anthracene and 12-O-Tetradecanoyl Phorbol-13-Acetate DMBA-TPA
Published on: December 19, 2019
12:37Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Mutations
Chromosomal Alterations Are Large-Scale Mutations
While point mutations are changes in a single nucleotide in...
Mutations
Cancers Originate from Somatic Mutations in a Single Cell
Spontaneous and Induced Mutations
Nucleotide Excision Repair
Cells are regularly exposed to mutagens—factors in the environment that can damage DNA and generate mutations. UV radiation is one of the most common mutagens and is estimated to introduce a significant number of changes in DNA. These include bends or kinks in the structure, which can block DNA replication or transcription. If these errors are not fixed, the damage can cause mutations, which in turn can result in cancer or disease depending on which sequences are...