141 Potential consequences of the interaction of squamous cell carcinoma cells with EDA fibronectin in recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

RDEB is caused by mutations in COL7A1 encoding type VII collagen, which links the epidermal basement membrane to the underlying dermis. In RDEB, the anchoring fibrils are functionally abnormal or absent, resulting in chronic skin fragility, bullae formation and progressive tissue fibrosis. Development of aggressive SCC at repetitively wounded and scarred sites is a dangerous complication in RDEB, leading to metastatic disease, frequently resulting in death. Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms operative in the metastatic process is limited, but it is highly likely that tumor/matrix interactions are an important feature.

Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology - April 19, 2018 Category: Dermatology Authors: J. Rosenbloom, M. Montgomery, A.P. South, J. Uitto, E. Macarak Tags: Carcinogenesis and Cancer Genetics Source Type: research