Transforming Growth Factor beta in basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and keratoacanthoma (KA)

Abstract

Introduction. Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) activates signaling cascades which regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, inflammatory response and angiogenesis. In the early stages of malignant transformation this cytokine acts as an inhibitor of tumour growth. In the advanced stages of malignant transformation TGFβ acts as a promoter of metastasis. Changes in the expression of genes associated with TGFβactivity could provide a new strategy of molecularly targeted therapy.Aim. The aim of this study was to compare the mRNA profile of genes associated with TGFβ signaling pathways in non-melanoma skin pathologies biopsy specimens of bas-al cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and keratoacanthoma (KA) in comparison to normal skin.Material and methods. Tissue samples of KA, SCC and BCC were obtained from the central part of tumours. Healthy skin margins comprised the control group. mRNA profile of genes coding TGFβ and proteins involved in TGFβ-induced signaling pathways was determined using oligonucleotide microarrays (Affymetrix).Results. Microarray analysis showed changes in profile of genes coding proteins in-volved in TGFβ-induced signaling pathways. In SCC TGFβ-1 (TGFB1) was upregulated, comparing to controls. Both in KA and SCC, the most statistically significant change re-ferred to TGFBR3 (Transforming Growth Factor beta Receptor III) mRNA.Conclusions. mRNA profile of genes coding proteins involved in TGFβ-induced signal-ization reveals strong molecular similarity of SCC and KA.