Skin Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Skin Cancer, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

High numbers of human skin cancers express MMP2 and several integrin genes.

Orimoto AM, Neto CF, Pimentel ER, Sanches JA, Sotto MN, Akaishi E, Ruiz IR

Genetics Laboratory, Butantan Institute, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Basal cell carcinomas (BCC), squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) are solid skin cancers derived from different cell types, with different ability to metastasize. Several subtypes of integrins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) have been related to malignization and metastasis processes. This work aimed at a quantitative evaluation of skin cancers expressing eight integrins and MMP2 genes. METHODS: Expression of integrins and MMP2 genes was evaluated on fresh tumor biopsies from BCC, SCC and MM, and respective controls, by the reverse transcriptase polychain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. RESULTS: More than 90% tumors expressed alpha6a, beta1, beta3 and beta6 (non-melanoma), and alpha5a, alpha6a and MMP2 (MM). Up to 100% controls also expressed beta1 and beta3. The results were significant for alpha6a in BCC (p = 0.026), alpha6b in SCC (p = 0.035), alpha2a in BCC (p = 0.003), beta5 and beta6 in BCC (p = 0.005). MMP2 was expressed in 100% MM (p = 0.0004). CONCLUSION: Integrin subunits alpha2a and alpha6a would be interesting targets for BCC anti-tumor therapy, as well as alpha6b in case of SCC. The elevated number of BCC expressing alpha2 and alpha6, and of MM expressing alphav and MMP2, corroborate literature data.

Published 6 February 2008 in J Cutan Pathol, 35(3): 285-91.
Full-text of this article is available online (may require subscription).

© 2004-2008 Skin Cancer Research Today. All Rights Reserved.