Defensin DEFB4A transcript level in the differentiation of keratoacanthoma, squamous and basal cell carcinomas

Abstract

Introduction. Defensins are peptide with antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal activities and many other functions, such as induction of immunological response and antitumor activity. Changes in expression level of defensins was studied in many skin pathologies, including dermatological lesions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and non-melanoma skin cancers (squamous cell carcinoma – SCC and basal cell carcinoma – BCC).Aim. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mRNA profile of defensin-related genes’ transcripts as an additional molecular marker of non-melonoma skin pathologies: SCC, BCC and keratoacanthoma (KA).Material and methods. Tissue samples were obtained from the central part of tumours (KA, SCC and BCC) and healthy margins. mRNA profile of genes coding defensins and proteins involved in their activation was determined using oligonucleotide microarrays (Affymetrix). Vali-dation of the microarray analysis was performed using real-time QRT-PCR.Results. Microarray analysis revealed changes in defensin-related genes’ profile. In all tumours DEFB4A (defensin beta 2) mRNA was up-regulated, compared with the healthy skin margins. Real-time QRT-PCR analysis showed increased DEFB4A transcript level both in KA and SCC comparing to BCC.Conclusions. Defensin beta 2 mRNA level is a useful tool for the differentiation of KA and SCC from BCC. KA and SCC cannot be differentiated on the basis of the DEFB4AmRNA level.