SKH1_LC_WGS. SKH1_LC_WGS

Somatic mutations induced by carcinogens accumulate in normal tissue and can give rise to cancers. The most common carcinogen present in the environment is Ultra-Violet (UV) light from sunlight. Prolonged exposure to UV light may lead to non-melanoma skin cancers — the most common type of cancer in Caucasians. Mouse models are commonly used to study skin malignancies, since mice bear a resemblance to humans both genetically and physiologically; however, it remains unclear whether UV-induced carcinogenesis in mice is driven by the same spectrum of mutations as in humans. Here, we study squamous cell carcinomas induced by chronic low-dose UV irradiation in nude mice. Using a bait capture sequencing approach, we aim to identify the mutational signature in mouse squamous cell carcinoma and compare to that in humans. In addition, comparing the mutational signatures between lesions and the surrounding skin can help define the sequence of events required for malignant transformation.