Effects of heme oxygenase-1 on induction and development of chemically induced squamous cell carcinoma in mice

► We investigate the role of HO-1 in development of squamous cell carcinoma in mice. ► HO-1 deficient mice are more vulnerable to the DMBA/PMA-induced skin injury. ► Lack of HO-1 results in the development of large, but benign papillomas. ► HO-1 expression facilitates transformation of growing tumors to malignant carcinoma. ► HO-1 expression promotes the c-myc mediated transformation of primary fibroblasts.