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Abnormal aquaporin-3 protein expression in hyperproliferative skin disorders
Kristen E Voss1, Roni J Bollag, Nicole Fussell
1Institute of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Georgia Health Sciences University (formerly Medical College of Georgia), Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
Archives of Dermatological Research
|March 15, 2011
Summary
Abnormalities in aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and phospholipase D2 (PLD2) signaling correlate with hyperproliferation in non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) and psoriasis. These findings suggest a link between AQP3/PLD2 dysfunction and skin disease progression.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) and psoriasis are common hyperproliferative skin disorders.
- Aquaporin-3 (AQP3) and phospholipase D2 (PLD2) have been implicated in keratinocyte proliferation, with conflicting reports on AQP3's role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the AQP3/PLD2 signaling module in non-melanoma skin cancers (squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma) and psoriasis.
- To compare the expression and localization of AQP3 and PLD2 in diseased skin versus normal epidermis.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to examine skin biopsies from normal epidermis, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and plaque psoriasis.
- Antibodies against AQP3 and PLD2 were employed to assess their protein levels and cellular localization.
Main Results:
- In normal epidermis, AQP3 localized to the plasma membrane and PLD2 to the cell periphery.
- BCC showed reduced levels of both AQP3 and PLD2.
- SCC exhibited patchy AQP3 staining with areas of reduced expression correlating with proliferation marker Ki67; PLD2 levels were unchanged.
- Psoriasis displayed aberrant AQP3 localization (cytoplasmic) and weak or misplaced PLD2 immunoreactivity.
Conclusions:
- Alterations in the AQP3/PLD2 signaling pathway are associated with hyperproliferative states in the skin.
- Dysregulation of AQP3 and PLD2 may play a role in the pathogenesis of NMSCs and psoriasis.
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