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Published on: October 31, 2025
Immunohistochemical evaluation of p53 and Ki67 expression in skin epithelial tumors
Effat Khodaeiani1, Ashraf Fakhrjou, Mehdi Amirnia
1Department of Dermatology, Sina Hospital, Tabriz, Iran.
Background And Aims:
The cellular mechanisms responsible for initiating or limiting the tumors including skin types are of great importance. The p53 is a tumor-inhibiting gene which is believed to be defective in many malignant situations. Ki67 is a non-histonic protein which is mainly interfere with the proliferation and has many controlling effects during the cell cycle. Because of their importance in skin tumor cell growth, this study aimed at evaluating the p53 and Ki67 expression in skin epithelial tumors by immunohistochemical method.
Materials And Methods:
In a descriptive setting, 50 biopsy samples (30 basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), 10 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), 8 keratoacanthomas (KAs), and 2 trichoepitheliomas (TEs)) were immunohistochemically evaluated for p53 and Ki67 expression during a 14-month period. The incidence and expression rate of these two variables were separately reported in each group of samples.
Results:
The expression rate of p53 was 67.77% for the BCCs, 50.20% for the SCCs, and null for the KAs. For both TEs, it was 50%. The expression rate of Ki67 was 57.33% for the BCCs, 47.70% for the SCCs, 37.5% for the KAs, and 0.0% for TEs. The incidence of P53+ cells was 100% and 90% in the BCC and SCC samples, respectively. The both TEs were positive in this regard. The incidence of Ki67+ cells was 100% for the BCC, SCC, and KA samples. The both TEs were negative in this regard.
Conclusion:
This study showed that the incidence rate of p53- and Ki67-positive cells is very high in skin malignant epithelial tumors. The expression rate of these two variables is comparable with reports in the literature. Further studies with large sample size are recommended to be carried out for KA and TE samples.
Insights
This study found high expression of tumor suppressor p53 and proliferation marker Ki67 in skin epithelial tumors like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. These findings highlight their role in skin cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatopathology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The p53 tumor suppressor gene and Ki67 proliferation marker are crucial in understanding skin tumor development.
- Defects in p53 are common in malignancies, while Ki67 influences cell cycle progression.
- Evaluating their expression is vital for understanding skin tumor biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of p53 and Ki67 in various skin epithelial tumors.
- To utilize immunohistochemistry for assessing these biomarkers in different skin cancer types.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study analyzed 50 biopsy samples including basal cell carcinomas (BCCs), squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), keratoacanthomas (KAs), and trichoepitheliomas (TEs).
- Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate the expression rates of p53 and Ki67.
- Data was collected over a 14-month period.
Main Results:
- High expression rates of p53 were observed in BCCs (67.77%) and SCCs (50.20%), with 50% in TEs.
- Ki67 expression was notable in BCCs (57.33%) and SCCs (47.70%), and 37.5% in KAs.
- Incidence of p53+ cells was 100% in BCCs and 90% in SCCs; Ki67+ cells were 100% in BCCs, SCCs, and KAs.
Conclusions:
- Skin malignant epithelial tumors exhibit a high incidence of p53 and Ki67 positive cells.
- The observed expression rates align with existing literature.
- Further research with larger cohorts is recommended for keratoacanthomas and trichoepitheliomas.
