Growth factor–responsive signaling pathways in skin cells

Growth factor–responsive signaling pathways in skin cells refer to the integrated network of intracellular signaling cascades, primarily the MAPK/ERK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR axes, that are activated by the binding of growth factors to their cognate receptors. In the skin, these pathways are essential for regulating the proliferation, differentiation, and migration of keratinocytes and fibroblasts, thereby playing a critical role in epidermal maintenance and wound repair (NIH, 2021). Dysregulation of these pathways, often through the overexpression of receptors like the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or mutations in downstream effectors, is a key driver of skin malignancies such as melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma (StatPearls, 2023). Therapeutic strategies often involve the use of small molecule inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies to target specific nodes within these pathways, such as EGFR or BRAF, to inhibit uncontrolled cell growth (PubMed, 2022). However, because these pathways are also active in normal skin cells, treatment frequently results in dose-limiting skin toxicities, including acneiform rashes and xerosis (Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2020). Understanding the crosstalk between these pathways is crucial for overcoming therapeutic resistance and improving patient outcomes in dermatological oncology.

Other names

Growth factor signalingRTK signalingMAPK/ERK pathwayPI3K/Akt pathwayEGFR signaling

Inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) or downstream signaling components such as BRAF, MEK, and PI3K to suppress aberrant cell growth and survival.