Nicotinic Acid Receptor Defects in Skin Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Bermudez Yira, Benavente Claudia A., Meyer Ralph G., Coyle W. Russell, Jacobson Myron K., Jacobson Elaine L.
Primary Institution: Arizona Cancer Center and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona
Hypothesis
Are nicotinic acid receptors involved in epidermal differentiation in photodamaged human skin?
Conclusion
Nicotinic acid promotes epidermal differentiation in photodamaged human skin, but its receptors are dysfunctional in squamous cell carcinoma.
Supporting Evidence
- Nicotinic acid increases epidermal differentiation as judged by markers caspase 14 and filaggrin.
- GPR109A and GPR109B genes are transcribed in human skin and epidermal keratinocytes.
- Receptor transcripts are over-expressed in squamous cell cancers.
- Nicotinic acid receptors show functional signaling in normal keratinocytes but are nearly non-functional in cancer cells.
Takeaway
Nicotinic acid helps skin heal and grow properly, but in skin cancer, the receptors that help this process don't work well.
Methodology
The study involved qRT-PCR, Western blot, immunochemistry, and pharmacological analyses to assess receptor expression and functionality.
Potential Biases
Potential conflicts of interest due to authors' affiliations with a pharmaceutical company.
Limitations
The study primarily focused on specific skin cell lines and may not fully represent all skin types or conditions.
Participant Demographics
Human subjects with photodamaged skin and squamous cell carcinoma.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p≤0.05
Statistical Significance
p≤0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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