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Review
. 2013 Sep 10;338(1):82-8.
doi: 10.1016/j.canlet.2012.05.008. Epub 2012 May 11.

Cells of origin and tumor-initiating cells for nonmelanoma skin cancers

Khanh Thieu  1 , Marlon E Ruiz, David M Owens
Affiliations
Review

Cells of origin and tumor-initiating cells for nonmelanoma skin cancers

Khanh Thieu et al. Cancer Lett. .

Abstract

The epidermis of the skin is a multilayered stratified epithelium whose primary function is to provide a barrier against our external environment. As a result, cells in the epidermis are subject to constant assault from environmental pathogens, many of which can cause deleterious mutations. However, most of these mutations do not lead to skin cancer. One explanation is that most genetic hits are sustained by mature or transit cells with limited proliferative capacity and only stem cells that acquire genetic alterations have the potential to propagate a frank tumor. In this mini-review we will discuss recent studies that provide some of the first genetic evidence to support a stem cell origin for a number of skin cancer types.

Keywords: Cancer stem cell; Epidermis; Hair follicle; Keratinocyte; Stem cell.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest

None declared.

References

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