[PDF][PDF] Reversible activation of c-Myc in skin: induction of a complex neoplastic phenotype by a single oncogenic lesion

S Pelengaris, T Littlewood, M Khan, G Elia, G Evan - Molecular cell, 1999 - cell.com
S Pelengaris, T Littlewood, M Khan, G Elia, G Evan
Molecular cell, 1999cell.com
The protooncogene c-myc regulates cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, and its
aberrant expression is frequently observed in human cancer. However, the consequences of
activating c-Myc in an adult tissue, in which these cellular processes are part of normal
homeostasis, remain unknown. In order to achieve this, we have targeted expression of a
switchable form of the c-Myc protein to the skin epidermis, a well characterized homeostatic
tissue. We show that activation of c-MycER TM in adult suprabasal epidermis rapidly triggers …
Abstract
The protooncogene c-myc regulates cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, and its aberrant expression is frequently observed in human cancer. However, the consequences of activating c-Myc in an adult tissue, in which these cellular processes are part of normal homeostasis, remain unknown. In order to achieve this, we have targeted expression of a switchable form of the c-Myc protein to the skin epidermis, a well characterized homeostatic tissue. We show that activation of c-MycERTM in adult suprabasal epidermis rapidly triggers proliferation and disrupts differentiation of postmitotic keratinocytes. Sustained activation of c-Myc is sufficient to induce papillomatosis together with angiogenesis—changes that resemble hyperplastic actinic keratosis, a commonly observed human precancerous epithelial lesion. All these premalignant changes spontaneously regress upon deactivation of c-MycERTM.
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