Genome-wide transcriptional profiling in human squamous cell carcinoma of the skin identifies unique tumor-associated signatures.

The elucidation of specific genetic changes associated with human cancer pathogenesis has focused efforts to relate such changes to the neoplastic phenotype. To further our understanding of the genetic basis of human squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the skin, this study used a genome-wide (12 627 sequences) approach to determine transcriptional signatures in lesional and nonlesional sites from five SCC patients. Several novel genes involving the p53 pathway, anti-apoptotic pathways, signal transduction, structural loss and DNA replication, including BCL2A1, MUC4, PTPN11 (SHP2) and FGF9, are upregulated in SCC and could warrant further study regarding their role in disease pathogenesis.

Src kinase activity is required for integrin alphaVbeta3-mediated activation of nuclear factor-kappaB.

Integrin adhesion to extracellular matrix proteins protects adhesion-dependent cells from suspension-induced apoptosis. Previous studies indicate that activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB was necessary for the integrin alpha(v)beta3 ligand osteopontin to protect endothelial cells from apoptosis caused by serum withdrawal. In this study, beta3 integrins were overexpressed in smooth muscle cells.