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Molecular Mechanisms of p63-Mediated Squamous Cancer Pathogenesis

Journal Article · · International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Online)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms20143590· OSTI ID:1628384
 [1];  [2];  [2];  [2];  [2];  [2];  [2]
  1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD (United States). Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research; DOE/OSTI
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD (United States). Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Office of Biotechnology Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

The p63 gene is a member of the p53/p63/p73 family of transcription factors and plays a critical role in development and homeostasis of squamous epithelium. p63 is transcribed as multiple isoforms; ΔNp63α, the predominant p63 isoform in stratified squamous epithelium, is localized to the basal cells and is overexpressed in squamous cell cancers of multiple organ sites, including skin, head and neck, and lung. Further, p63 is considered a stem cell marker, and within the epidermis, ΔNp63α directs lineage commitment. ΔNp63α has been implicated in numerous processes of skin biology that impact normal epidermal homeostasis and can contribute to squamous cancer pathogenesis by supporting proliferation and survival with roles in blocking terminal differentiation, apoptosis, and senescence, and influencing adhesion and migration. ΔNp63α overexpression may also influence the tissue microenvironment through remodeling of the extracellular matrix and vasculature, as well as by enhancing cytokine and chemokine secretion to recruit pro-inflammatory infiltrate. This review focuses on the role of ΔNp63α in normal epidermal biology and how dysregulation can contribute to cutaneous squamous cancer development, drawing from knowledge also gained by squamous cancers from other organ sites that share p63 overexpression as a defining feature.

Research Organization:
Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
NCI/FDA Interagency Oncology Task Force (IOTF) Fellowship program; Research Participation Program at the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research; U.S. Food and Drug Administration; USDOE Office of Science (SC)
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0014664
OSTI ID:
1628384
Journal Information:
International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Online), Journal Name: International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Online) Journal Issue: 14 Vol. 20; ISSN IJMCFK; ISSN 1422-0067
Publisher:
MDPICopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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Cited By (6)

p63 Is a Promising Marker in the Diagnosis of Unusual Skin Cancer journal November 2019
Molecular Approach to Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: From Pathways to Therapy journal February 2020
Additional file 3 of SYT7 acts as an oncogene and a potential therapeutic target and was regulated by ΔNp63α in HNSCC image January 2021
Additional file 4 of SYT7 acts as an oncogene and a potential therapeutic target and was regulated by ΔNp63α in HNSCC image January 2021
Additional file 5 of SYT7 acts as an oncogene and a potential therapeutic target and was regulated by ΔNp63α in HNSCC image January 2021
ΔNp63 transcript loss in bladder cancer constitutes an independent molecular predictor of TaT1 patients post-treatment relapse and progression journal October 2019

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