Article
Oncology
Rodrigo R. Munhoz, Guilherme Nader-Marta, Veridiana P. de Camargo, Marcello M. Queiroz, Jade Cury-Martins, Herminia Ricci, Marcela R. de Mattos, Thiago A. F. de Menezes, Guilherme U. C. Machado, Eduardo Bertolli, Milton Barros, Carina E. de Souza, Fabio Franke, Fabio O. Ferreira, Olavo Feher, Gilberto de Castro Jr
Summary: The study investigated the activity of the anti-PD-1 agent nivolumab in patients with advanced CSCC and found robust antitumor activity, sustained responses, and good tolerability. These results provide further evidence to support the use of immune checkpoint inhibition as the standard treatment of advanced CSCC.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tingzeng Wang, Okkyung Rho, Fernando Eguiarte-Solomon, John DiGiovanni
Summary: Twist1 plays a key role in the development and progression of cSCC by regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stemness, and the balance of keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation. It represents a potential target for prevention and treatment of cSCC.
MOLECULAR CARCINOGENESIS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luca Fania, Dario Didona, Francesca Romana Di Pietro, Sofia Verkhovskaia, Roberto Morese, Giovanni Paolino, Michele Donati, Francesca Ricci, Valeria Coco, Francesco Ricci, Eleonora Candi, Damiano Abeni, Elena Dellambra
Summary: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, a common non-melanoma skin cancer, has various risk factors and a complex development process, with multiple diagnostic and treatment options available. Research on pathogenic mechanisms and drug targets continues to advance.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Mathias Seviiri, Matthew H. Law, Jue-Sheng Ong, Puya Gharahkhani, Pierre Fontanillas, Catherine M. Olsen, David C. Whiteman, Stuart MacGregor
Summary: In this study, genetic analysis identified risk loci associated with basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These risk loci are related to cancer development and progression, pigmentation, cardiometabolic factors, immune regulation, and HIV-1 viral load modulation. The study also proposed an optimized polygenic risk score for effective risk stratification of keratinocyte cancer.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Weronika Szukala, Agata Lichawska-Cieslar, Roza Pietrzycka, Maria Kulecka, Izabela Rumienczyk, Michal Mikula, Iwona Chlebicka, Piotr Konieczny, Katarzyna Dziedzic, Jacek C. Szepietowski, Giulia Fontemaggi, Janusz Rys, Jolanta Jura
Summary: This study investigated the role of MCPIP1 in the pathogenesis of SCC, showing that its expression changes during the transformation from precancerous lesions to SCC. A mouse model experiment demonstrated accelerated skin tumor development in mice with loss of epidermal MCPIP1, indicating the essential role of MCPIP1 in negative regulation of genes associated with SCC.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Maryam Khelil, Heather Griffin, Maaike C. G. Bleeker, Renske D. M. Steenbergen, Ke Zheng, Taylor Saunders-Wood, Sanne Samuels, Jossie Rotman, Wim Vos, Brendy E. van den Akker, Renee X. de Menezes, Gemma G. Kenter, John Doorbar, Ekaterina S. Jordanova
Summary: This study investigates origins of cervical cancer cells and describes a DLL-Notch1 phenotype associated with disease prognosis, potentially aiding in the identification of cells susceptible to HPV-induced carcinogenesis.
Article
Biology
Konstantin Drexler, Hans Drexler, Sigrid Karrer, Michael Landthaler, Sebastian Haferkamp, Florian Zeman, Mark Berneburg, Dennis Niebel
Summary: This study compared the degree of actinic elastosis in different types of keratinocyte cancer and found that chronic UV exposure is more strongly associated with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) compared to basal cell carcinoma (BCC), regardless of age, sex, body site, and tumor subtypes.
Article
Oncology
Magdalena Ciazynska, Marta Pabianek, Martyna Slawinska, Adam Reich, Bogumil Lewandowski, Katarzyna Szczepaniak, Malgorzata Ulanska, Dariusz Nejc, Robert Brodowski, Michal Sobjanek, Witold Owczarek, Grazyna Kaminska-Winciorek, Dariusz Lange, Monika Slowinska, Katarzyna Wrobel, Andrzej Bieniek, Anna Wozniacka, Anika Pekala, Lukasz Kuncman, Magdalena Salinska, Marcin Noweta, Malgorzata Skibinska, Joanna Narbutt, Karol Ciazynski, Marta Lewandowska, Elzbieta Dziankowska-Zaborszczyk, Aleksandra Lesiak
Summary: Patients with multiple tumors require long-term careful follow-up; BCC subtype is associated with increased risk of further KC development.
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Zhongsu Zhou, Shuangze Han, Jinzhuang Liao, Ruirui Wang, Xinfang Yu, Ming Li
Summary: The natural compound isoliquiritigenin (ISL) has been found to have potent inhibitory effects on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by suppressing survivin expression and inducing apoptosis. ISL achieves this by disrupting the Akt-Wee1-CDK1 signaling pathway and facilitating survivin ubiquitination. In addition, ISL can overcome chemoresistance in OSCC cells when used alone or in combination with cisplatin.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Andrea Boutros, Federica Cecchi, Enrica Teresa Tanda, Elena Croce, Riccardo Gili, Luca Arecco, Francesco Spagnolo, Paola Queirolo
Summary: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) constitutes 20% of all keratinocytic tumors, with most cases being small and low-risk lesions, but 5% may progress to locally advanced or metastatic. The introduction of immunotherapy has provided new treatment options for advanced CSCC, showing encouraging results.
FRONTIERS IN ONCOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Sheyne Sta Ana Choi, Josephine Mun-Yee Ko, Valen Zhuoyou Yu, Lvwen Ning, Maria Li Lung
Summary: This study investigated the role of ZNF750 in inducing cell differentiation and suppressing tumor growth in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The results revealed a functional link between ZNF750's ability to induce cell differentiation through to terminal differentiation and its function as a growth suppressor in ESCC.
Article
Dermatology
Paulo Muller Ramos, Alessandra Anzai, Bruna Duque-Estrada, Debora Cadore Farias, Daniel Fernandes Melo, Fabiane Mulinari-Brenner, Giselle Martins Pinto, Leonardo Spagnol Abraham, Leopoldo Duailibe Nogueira Santos, Rodrigo Pirmez, Helio Amante Miot
Summary: The study found that high cumulative exposure to HCTZ is associated with an increased risk of keratinocyte carcinoma, particularly invasive SCC. Users of HCTZ also had an increased risk of SCCis and BCC. However, the study also pointed out limitations in adjusting for all potential factors.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Jonas A. Adalsteinsson, Sonal Muzumdar, Reid Waldman, Chaoran Hu, Rong Wu, Desiree Ratner, Jonathan Ungar, Jonathan I. Silverberg, Gudridur H. Olafsdottir, Arni Kjalar Kristjansson, Laufey Tryggvadottir, Jon Gunnlaugur Jonasson
Summary: The study found that a cumulative dose of hydrochlorothiazide above 37,500 mg was associated with an increased risk of invasive SCC. Users of hydrochlorothiazide also had a higher risk of SCCis and BCC.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Kyong-Oh Shin, Hisashi Mihara, Kenya Ishida, Yoshikazu Uchida, Kyungho Park
Summary: This study investigates the biological effects of exogenous NP and NDS, widely used as topical ceramide agents, on cultured human keratinocytes. NDS serves as a precursor for diverse ceramide species required for the permeability barrier and enhances differentiation and innate immunity, while NP does not have the same effects.
Review
Dermatology
Edwin Kumah, Kristin Bibee
Summary: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is a disease with significant morbidity due to its progression and metastases. However, the molecular characteristics of these tumors are not well understood. This review examines various models used in studying cSCC, including tissue cultures, mice models, and xenograft models. The review also discusses the advantages, limitations, and future research directions.
EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Marika Quadri, Antonella Comitato, Elisabetta Palazzo, Natascia Tiso, Andreas Rentsch, Giovanni Pellacani, Alessandra Marconi, Valeria Marigo
Summary: Despite ongoing drug resistance mechanisms in metastatic melanoma, utilizing two polymeric-linked dimeric cGMP analogs as protein kinase G activators demonstrated significant anti-cancer effects, with PA5 showing the most potent inhibitory impact on melanoma cells. By interfering with the EGF pathway, PA5 reduced EGFR phosphorylation and activated, phosphorylated forms of protein kinase B and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in melanoma cells, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for melanoma.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Dermatology
Alessandra Marconi, Marika Quadri, Francesca Farnetani, Silvana Ciardo, Elisabetta Palazzo, Roberta Lotti, Anna Maria Cesinaro, Luca Fabbiani, Cristina Vaschieri, Mario Puviani, Cristina Magnoni, Shaniko Kaleci, Carlo Pincelli, Giovanni Pellacani
Summary: In this study, four distinct melanoma subtypes were identified using reflectance confocal microscopy, each with a specific biomolecular profile and biological behavior associated with tumor aggressiveness.
JOURNAL OF INVESTIGATIVE DERMATOLOGY
(2022)
Letter
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Cristina Barbara, Piero Clavario, Vincenzo De Marzo, Roberta Lotti, Giulia Guglielmi, Annalisa Porcile, Carmelo Russo, Raffaele Griffo, Timo Makikallio, Arto Jorma Hautala, Italo Porto
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Valentina Masciale, Federico Banchelli, Giulia Grisendi, Roberto D'Amico, Antonino Maiorana, Alessandro Stefani, Uliano Morandi, Franco Stella, Massimo Dominici, Beatrice Aramini
Summary: This study assessed the relationship between cancer stem cells (CSCs) and relapse rates in patients with adenocarcinoma (ADL) and squamous cell carcinoma of the lung (SCCL). The results showed no association between CSCs and relapse rates in early-stage patients, but a positive correlation was observed in locally advanced patients.
STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Roberta Lotti, Claudio Giacinto Atene, Emma Dorotea Zanfi, Matteo Bertesi, Tommaso Zanocco-Marani
Summary: Pemphigus is a life-threatening autoimmune disease characterized by pathogenic autoantibodies targeting specific desmoglein proteins, leading to keratinocyte separation. Various disease models, including in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo mouse models, allow for testing different hypotheses regarding disease initiation and evaluating the efficacy of experimental therapies. These models also help in assessing the pathogenicity of specific Pemphigus autoantibodies and investigating previously unidentified autoantigens.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Valentina Masciale, Federico Banchelli, Giulia Grisendi, Roberto D'Amico, Antonino Maiorana, Alessandro Stefani, Uliano Morandi, Franco Stella, Massimo Dominici, Beatrice Aramini
Summary: This study found that the frequency of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the expression of recurrence-related genes (RG) are independent predictors of disease-free survival in lung cancer. The frequency of CSCs is not related to disease-free survival in early-stage patients, but is a risk factor for locally advanced-stage patients. Moreover, measuring the expression of RG in CSCs is associated with a higher risk of recurrence. These findings suggest that CSCs and RG may have implications for targeted therapy and prognosis in lung cancer.
STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Roberta Lotti, Elisabetta Palazzo, Marika Quadri, Marc Dumas, Sylvianne Schnebert, Diego Biondini, Maria Anastasia Bianchini, Carine Nizard, Carlo Pincelli, Alessandra Marconi
Summary: ETA cells represent the first KSC progenitor with exclusive features, and CD271 identifies and modulates ETA cells, thus participating in the early differentiation and regenerative capacity of the human epidermis.
Article
Biology
Roberta Lotti, Claudio Giacinto Atene, Emma Dorotea Zanfi, Matteo Bertesi, Carlo Pincelli, Tommaso Zanocco-Marani
Summary: Researchers have developed new active models to mimic the main forms of Pemphigus, including PV and mucocutaneous Pemphigus. Immunized animals and animals that received splenocytes from the immunized donors produced high concentrations of circulating antibodies against specific antigens, but the effectiveness of treatment with corticosteroids was limited.
Article
Oncology
Marika Quadri, Natascia Tiso, Francesco Musmeci, Maria I. I. Morasso, Stephen R. R. Brooks, Luca Reggiani Bonetti, Rossana Panini, Roberta Lotti, Alessandra Marconi, Carlo Pincelli, Elisabetta Palazzo
Summary: This study found differential expression of CD271 in low-risk and high-risk cSCC tumors, and demonstrated that CD271 activity can decrease the proliferation and invasiveness of cSCC, while promoting tumor cell differentiation. CD271 also inhibits the metastatic process of cSCC and increases sensitivity to therapy. Therefore, CD271 may be a promising target for future pharmaceutical development.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Roberta Lotti, Jennifer E. Hundt, Ralf J. Ludwig, Brydon Bennett, Antonino Amato, Alessandra Marconi, Carlo Pincelli
Summary: Pemphigus is a life-threatening autoimmune bullous disease that affects the skin and mucous membranes. Current therapies aim to suppress the immune system, but PC111, a fully human monoclonal antibody targeting Fas ligand, has shown promising results in reducing blister formation. In vitro and in vivo experiments have confirmed the mechanism of action and efficacy of PC111 in preventing acantholysis.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Greta Camilla Magnano, Marika Quadri, Elisabetta Palazzo, Roberta Lotti, Francesca Loschi, Stefano Dall'Acqua, Michela Abrami, Francesca Larese Filon, Alessandra Marconi, Dritan Hasa
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the loading of sildenafil citrate in three commercial transdermal vehicles using 3D full-thickness skin equivalent and compare the results with permeability experiments using porcine skin. The results showed that the results obtained using the 3D skin equivalent were comparable to those obtained using porcine skin, suggesting that the 3D skin model can be a valid alternative for ex-vivo skin absorption experiments.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICS
(2024)