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Expression of proton-sensing G-protein-coupled receptors in selected skin tumors

Anaïs Nassios1, Susanne Wallner1, Sebastian Haferkamp1

  • 1Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.

Experimental Dermatology
|October 20, 2018
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Proton-sensing G-protein-coupled receptors (pH-GPCRs) are differentially expressed in skin cancers like Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP). This research highlights their potential as therapeutic targets for extensive skin cancer disease.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Four proton-sensing G-protein-coupled receptors (pH-GPCRs) are known in humans: GPR4, TDAG8, OGR1, and G2A.
  • These receptors sense extracellular proton changes in tumor microenvironments, influencing cancer cell behavior and inflammation.
  • Limited information exists on pH-GPCR expression in skin and skin cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression patterns of pH-GPCRs in specific skin cancers.
  • To explore the potential of pH-GPCRs as therapeutic targets in skin oncology.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were employed.
  • Paraffin-embedded tissue samples from patients with Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP), atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX), and pleomorphic dermal sarcoma (PDS) were analyzed.
  • Expression of GPR4, TDAG8, OGR1, and G2A was assessed.

Main Results:

  • GPR4 was expressed in all AFX and PDS samples.
  • G2A was expressed in all AFX and PDS samples, with strong expression in PDS.
  • MCC samples lacked GPR4 and TDAG8 expression, while DFSP samples showed no TDAG8 expression. Other combinations yielded mixed results.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first data on pH-GPCR expression in selected skin cancers.
  • Differential expression of pH-GPCRs was observed across various skin cancer types.
  • These findings suggest pH-GPCRs may serve as potential therapeutic targets for advanced skin cancers.
Keywords:
atypical fibroxanthomadermatofibrosarcoma protuberansmerkel cell carcinomapleomorphic dermal sarcoma

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