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Novel GW bodies in skin cancer

P. Régine Mydlarski, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB

Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence is increasing. There are two major types of NMSC: basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). While BCCs are typically slow growing and rarely spread (metastasize), SCCs are associated with higher death rates. The overall rates for SCC metastasis range from 2 to 10%; yet, rates of up to 47% have been reported in certain high-risk patient populations, such as organ transplant recipients. Although cumulative sun exposure is considered the main risk factor for SCCs, our understanding of these cancers remains limited.

We have recently identified a component within human cells, called GW bodies (GWBs). In addition to maintaining a healthy microenvironment for the cell, GWBs are involved in a new pathway of genetic control, termed “RNA interference” or RNAi. In 2002, RNAi was heralded by the journal Science as the “discovery of the year” and, for the past few years, researchers have used this pathway to develop novel treatment approaches for a variety of cancers. Given the universal burden of SCCs, we propose to study the role of GWBs in skin cancer development. The knowledge gained from the proposed research has the potential to provide important information on the prognosis, diagnosis and management of skin cancer patients.

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