Exploiting Mouse Models to Study Ras-Induced Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Recently developed methods have allowed for the delivery of cancer-causing genetic mutations to particular cell types in the epidermis in an inducible fashion. These methods have allowed for sophisticated explorations on the cellular and molecular origins of squamous cell carcinoma due to oncogenic mutations in Ras. These experiments have provided insights into whether cancer is initiated by stem or more specified cells under various conditions, and have highlighted the ability of particular genetic hits to serve as tumor initiators or promoters. Here we provide a summary of data from our lab and others that demonstrate the ability of hair follicle stem cells to serve as cancer cells of origin, and the ability of various molecular players to drive heterogeneity of tumor cell types. A synthesis of these studies potentially could provide unique insights into the process by which Ras can initiate squamous cell carcinoma in human patients and could eventually inform treatment strategies.