Abstract
To investigate the relationship between stem cells in normal epithelium and in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), we examined expression of a panel of human epidermal stem cell markers in SCCs and SCC cell lines. Markers that are co-expressed in normal stem cells were not co-expressed in SCC. Downregulation of two markers, Lrig1 and MAP4, and upregulation of a third, MCSP, correlated with poor differentiation status and increased proliferation in primary tumours. We conclude that SCCs do not reflect a simple expansion of stem cells; rather, tumour cells hijack the homeostatic controls that operate in normal stem cells, eliminating those that maintain stem cell quiescence.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / genetics*
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Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / pathology
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Cell Differentiation
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Cell Division
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Cell Line, Tumor
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Foreskin / cytology
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GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
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Gene Expression Profiling*
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Genetic Markers
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Humans
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Immunohistochemistry
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Infant, Newborn
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Keratinocytes / cytology
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Male
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Mouth Mucosa / cytology
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Mouth Mucosa / pathology
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Mouth Neoplasms / genetics*
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Polymerase Chain Reaction
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RNA, Messenger / genetics
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RNA, Messenger / metabolism
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RNA, Neoplasm / genetics
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RNA, Neoplasm / metabolism
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Skin / cytology
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Stem Cells / cytology*
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Stem Cells / physiology
Substances
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Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
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Genetic Markers
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RNA, Messenger
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RNA, Neoplasm
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GTP-Binding Proteins