Fig. 6

Proposed role of observed changes in protein levels in vSCC variants. As determined by proteomic profiling, vSCC tumors with a pushing morphology are associated with increased expression of STAT1 and proteasome proteins. As a consequence, there is activation of a signaling pathways associated with a lymphoplasmacytic stromal response, which inhibits tumor growth and aggressive behavior. In contrast, tumors with an infiltrative morphology have increased collagen expression with activation of integrin signaling resulting in the desmoplasia that defines a fibromyxoid stromal response. In the absence of a strong immune response, this promotes tumor growth and aggressive behavior