Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer, with both genetic and non-genetic factors influencing its development. Recent evidence suggests that commonly used medications may impact cSCC progression through previously unidentified mechanisms affecting keratinocyte stem cell differentiation and protein synthesis. This study investigates the effects of several widely prescribed drugs - lovastatin, hydrochlorothiazide/amiloride, amiodarone, and PLX-4032 - on these cellular processes, aiming to improve risk assessment and potentially develop new therapeutic strategies for cSCC. Primary keratinocytes and cSCC cells were treated with various medications (lovastatin, hydrochlorothiazide/amiloride, amiodarone, PLX-4032, and Dabrafenib) and analyzed using RT-qPCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and m7-GTP pull-down assays. These techniques were used to assess changes in mRNA levels, protein abundance, protein synthesis activity, and the availability of translation initiation factors. Common medications (lovastatin, hydrochlorothiazide/amiloride, amiodarone, and PLX-4032) significantly reduce KRT10 mRNA levels in keratinocyte stem cells after 24 hours of calcium-induced differentiation. These medications also decrease Keratin 10 protein abundance in differentiating keratinocytes, suggesting a potential impairment of early differentiation processes. Common medications (lovastatin, hydrochlorothiazide/amiloride, amiodarone, and PLX-4032) significantly reduce KRT10 mRNA levels in keratinocyte stem cells after 24 hours of calcium-induced differentiation. These medications also decrease Keratin 10 protein abundance in differentiating keratinocytes, suggesting a potential impairment of early differentiation processes. Common medications (lovastatin, hydrochlorothiazide/amiloride, amiodarone, and PLX-4032) impair keratinocyte stem cell differentiation by reducing both mRNA and protein levels of early differentiation markers. BRAF kinase inhibitors (PLX-4032 and Dabrafenib) decrease global protein synthesis in keratinocyte stem cells by reducing the availability of translation initiation factors, particularly affecting cells entering early differentiation. These findings suggest that commonly prescribed medications may increase cSCC risk by altering keratinocyte stem cell differentiation and protein synthesis, highlighting the need for careful consideration of these drugs in high-risk patients.

Impact of Common Pharmaceuticals on the Development of cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Dermatology (Basic Science)

poster

Welcome to the **largest national, multi-specialty research** event featuring research from more than 750 medical students, residents, fellows, and international medical graduates.

Use the buttons below or navigation menu to access the event.
 

[![](https://assets.underline.io/markdown_image/1/image/20e1e77aa954efeac7a15d84c85eb383.jpg)](https://underline.io/events/468/sessions?searchGroup=all)
 
[![](https://assets.underline.io/markdown_image/1/image/068522d81aca0b68a369787c7dfccd1b.jpg)](https://underline.io/events/468/posters?searchGroup=all)
 
[![](https://assets.underline.io/markdown_image/1/image/d3971ece79d5e5575b178bdc2c8bbfae.jpg)](https://underline.io/events/468/help-desk)
 

#### Event Details

The 2024 American Medical Association Research Challenge includes a poster symposium hall and a semifinals hall with the top scored research. **Log in at any time throughout the event to:**

* **View posters and presentations** on a variety of topics and specialties
* **Score posters in the semifinals** to help decide the top five finalists (AMA member exclusive opportunity)
* **Connect with participants** and provide feedback to help advance their research

At the conclusion of this event, the AMA will announce the top five finalists who will advance to the AMA Research Challenge finals, present their research to an elite panel of judges, and compete to win a $10,000 grand prize presented by Laurel Road. 

### Grand Prize Sponsor

AMA would like to thank Laurel Road for sponsoring a $10,000 grand prize for the winner of the AMA Research Challenge. Laurel Road is not involved in winner selection process. The winner will be announced on February 20, 2025 during the AMA Research Challenge finals. Payment of the grand prize will be directly from Laurel Road. See the AMA Research Challenge Official Rules for terms and conditions.

[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/611e331d4a0eba0920f240cfc04b4d77.png)](https://www.laurelroad.com/)

You need to log in with the email address you registered with. Access credentials have been sent to your email. 

Please be sure to check your spam and other email folders if you do not see an email confirmation right away.

Please log in to explore this event.

**There is no registration fee for this event! **

If you have used the AMA Research Challenge platform previously, please click the ‘Log-in’ button below. If you do not remember your password, please click “forgot password” and follow prompts to reset your password. After resetting your password, please refresh your webpage to access the platform.

Register to explore research in a variety of topics. AMA members get exclusive access to score posters in the semifinals. 

**Please use this link [here](https://www.ama-assn.org/member-benefits/events/ama-research-challenge) to register for free.**

Registration Is Required

AMA Research Challenge 2024 

Join the AMA Research Challenge poster symposium and semifinals to explore top research posters and score posters in the semifinals (an AMA member exclusive opportunity).

Sammer Marzouk

1

Presentations

Impact of Common Pharmaceuticals on the Development of cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Stay up to date with the latest Underline news!

PRESENTATIONS

CONFERENCES

COMPANY

RESOURCES