Illustration of skin cells transforming into cancer cells with a beam of light targeting a specific gene.

Decoding Skin Cancer: New Insights Into Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Lena Voss in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A comprehensive look at the latest research on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, its development, and potential new treatment avenues for women and men."

Skin cancer is a growing concern, with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) representing a significant portion of diagnoses. While often treatable, understanding how cSCC develops is crucial for prevention and better outcomes. Recent research has shed light on the complex genetic and molecular processes driving this type of cancer, offering new hope for more targeted therapies.

Traditionally, cSCC is linked to sun exposure and can arise from precancerous lesions called actinic keratoses (AK). However, the precise steps in this progression have remained unclear. Scientists have been working to unravel these mysteries by studying the genomic and transcriptomic changes that occur as healthy skin transforms into AK and eventually cSCC.

A new study combines multiple advanced techniques to analyze matched samples of sun-exposed skin (SES), AK, and cSCC from immunocompetent patients. By integrating data from gene expression arrays, cytogenetic analysis, and immunohistochemistry, researchers have identified key players in cSCC development, opening doors to innovative treatment strategies.

Unveiling the Genetic Landscape of cSCC

Illustration of skin cells transforming into cancer cells with a beam of light targeting a specific gene.

The study's comprehensive approach involved analyzing gene expression and copy number alterations using sophisticated platforms like the GeneChip Human Gene 2.0 ST Array and CytoScan HD Cytogenetics Solution. This allowed researchers to pinpoint genes and chromosomal regions that are consistently altered in cSCC compared to healthy skin and AK.

One of the key findings involves two genes, FOSL1 and BNC1, which encode transcription factors. These factors were found to be increasingly expressed in cSCC, suggesting they play a role in promoting cancer development. Further analysis using immunohistochemistry revealed that FOSL1 showed intense staining at the invasive front of cSCC samples, while BNC1's location shifted from the nucleus in healthy skin to the cytoplasm in cSCC cells.

Key findings from the study highlighted:

Increased expression of FOSL1 and BNC1 in cSCC.
Changes in BNC1's cellular location.
Identification of NEK10 as a potential tumor suppressor.
Genomic deletions on chromosome 3 in aggressive tumors.

Another significant discovery centers around NEK10, a gene located on chromosome 3. The study found that a region containing NEK10 was frequently deleted in aggressive cSCC tumors. Further investigation revealed that NEK10 expression was reduced or absent in cSCC, suggesting it acts as a tumor suppressor. Functional studies in NEK10-depleted cells showed alterations in cell cycle progression, further supporting its role in controlling cancer growth.

A Promising Future for cSCC Treatment

This research provides valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms driving cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. By identifying key genes and pathways involved in cSCC development, scientists are paving the way for more targeted and effective therapies. The findings suggest that FOSL1 and BNC1 could be potential therapeutic targets, while restoring NEK10 function might offer a novel approach to suppress tumor growth. Further studies are needed to translate these discoveries into clinical applications, but the future looks promising for individuals affected by cSCC.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1002/gcc.22712, Alternate LINK

Title: Transcriptome And Cytogenetic Profiling Analysis Of Matched In Situ/Invasive Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinomas From Immunocompetent Patients

Subject: Cancer Research

Journal: Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Irene García-Díez, Inmaculada Hernández-Muñoz, Eugenia Hernández-Ruiz, Lara Nonell, Eulàlia Puigdecanet, Marta Bódalo-Torruella, Evelyn Andrades, Ramon M. Pujol, Agustí Toll

Published: 2019-01-07

Everything You Need To Know

What are the origins of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), and what key precursor is often involved?

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) often arises from sun-exposed skin and can develop from precancerous lesions known as actinic keratoses (AK). Researchers are investigating the genetic and molecular changes that occur as healthy skin progresses to AK and then to cSCC to understand this transformation better.

How does the expression and location of FOSL1 and BNC1 change in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), according to the study?

The research identified increased expression of the genes FOSL1 and BNC1 in cSCC. FOSL1 showed intense staining at the invasive front of cSCC samples, while BNC1's location shifted from the nucleus in healthy skin to the cytoplasm in cSCC cells. These changes suggest FOSL1 and BNC1 play a role in promoting cancer development.

What role does NEK10 play in aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), and what happens when it is depleted?

The study found that NEK10, a gene located on chromosome 3, was frequently deleted in aggressive cSCC tumors. Further investigation revealed that NEK10 expression was reduced or absent in cSCC, suggesting it acts as a tumor suppressor. Functional studies in NEK10-depleted cells showed alterations in cell cycle progression, further supporting its role in controlling cancer growth.

What are the therapeutic implications of identifying FOSL1, BNC1, and NEK10 in the context of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) research?

The identification of FOSL1 and BNC1 as potential therapeutic targets means that treatments could be developed to inhibit their activity, potentially slowing or stopping cancer progression. Similarly, the discovery that NEK10 acts as a tumor suppressor suggests that restoring NEK10 function might offer a novel approach to suppress tumor growth. These are avenues for targeted and effective therapies for cSCC.

What specific technologies and methodologies were employed to investigate the genetic landscape of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC)?

Researchers utilized advanced techniques such as the GeneChip Human Gene 2.0 ST Array and CytoScan HD Cytogenetics Solution to analyze gene expression and copy number alterations. Immunohistochemistry was used to study the location and expression of specific proteins like FOSL1 and BNC1 within the cells. This multi-faceted approach provided a comprehensive understanding of the molecular changes in cSCC.