Contribution of stem cells and differentiated cells to epidermal tumours.

Owens, David M; Watt, Fiona M · Nat Rev Cancer · 2003

review · Level V

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Abstract

The outer covering of the skin--the epidermis--is subject to sustained environmental assaults. As a result, many cells acquire potentially oncogenic mutations. Most cells are lost through differentiation, and only long-term epidermal residents, such as stem cells, accumulate the number of genetic hits that are necessary for tumour development. So, what genetic and environmental factors determine whether a mutant stem cell forms a tumour and what type of tumour will develop?

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