Identification of new therapeutic targets against cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 15K09764
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Research Field: Dermatology
• Research Institution: University of Yamanashi
• Principal Investigator: MITSUI Hiroshi 山梨大学, 大学院総合研究部, 講師 (60372504)
• Project Period (FY): 2015-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: 有棘細胞癌 / 転写因子 / E2F4

Outline of Final Research Achievements

We have been studying SCC on the basis of differentially expressed gene list generated by the combination of LCM and cDNA microarray technology. One transcription factor that was significantly upregulated in actinic keratosis and SCC compared to normal epidermis was E2F4. E2F4 is a member of the E2F family of transcription factors that have a critical role in the control of cellular proliferation and apoptosis. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the functions of E2F4 in development and progression of cutaneous SCC. We first evaluated the expression of E2F4 in various skin conditions by immunohistochemistry. The specific expression of E2F4 in the nucleus of SCC tissues but not in other skin conditions, such as basal cell carcinoma, seborrheic keratosis, and psoriasis was confirmed. E2F4 was detected in SCC cell lines (A431 and HSC-5) at mRNA and protein levels. Our results suggest that E2F4 may have important roles in development and progression of cutaneous SCC.

Free Research Field

皮膚科