EphB2 Promotes Progression of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Keratinocyte-derived skin cancer, cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), is the most common metastatic skin cancer. We have examined the role of Eph/ephrin signaling in the progression of cSCC. Analysis of the expression of EPH and EFN families in cSCC cells and normal epidermal keratinocytes revealed overexpression of EPHB2 mRNA in cSCC cells and cSCC tumors in vivo.

Complement factor I promotes progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is rising worldwide. We have examined the role of complement components in the progression of cSCC. Analysis of cSCC cell lines (n=8) and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (n=11) with whole transcriptome profiling (SOLiD), quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR, and western blotting revealed marked overexpression of complement factor I (CFI) in cSCC cells.

Complement factor H: a biomarker for progression of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

The incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is increasing globally. We have studied the expression of complement system components in cSCC. Expression profiling of cSCC cell lines (n=8) and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (n=5) with Affymetrix and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) revealed upregulation of complement factor H (CFH) and factor H-like protein-1 (FHL-1) in cSCC cell lines.

Keratinocyte growth factor induces gene expression signature associated with suppression of malignant phenotype of cutaneous squamous carcinoma cells.

Keratinocyte growth factor (KGF, fibroblast growth factor-7) is a fibroblast-derived mitogen, which stimulates proliferation of epithelial cells. The expression of KGF by dermal fibroblasts is induced following injury and it promotes wound repair. However, the role of KGF in cutaneous carcinogenesis and cancer progression is not known.

Matrix metalloproteinase-13 promotes recovery from experimental liver cirrhosis in rats.

Objective: To evaluate the role of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13 gene expression in the early phase of recovery from liver fibrosis/cirrhosis.

Methods: Liver fibrosis was induced in male Wistar rats by administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) for 10 weeks. Recombinant adenovirus-mediated human MMP-13 gene transfer (RAdMMP-13) was performed via the femoral vein on day 3 after the last CCl(4) injection.