MicroRNA Signatures Associated with Basal Cell Carcinoma Subtypes

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common skin cancer with distinct histological subtypes influencing treatment.
• MicroRNAs (miRs) are noncoding RNAs with potential as diagnostic biomarkers in various cancers.
• Identifying molecular markers to differentiate BCC subtypes is crucial for personalized treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate specific microRNAs (miRs) capable of distinguishing between basal cell carcinoma (BCC) subtypes.
• To assess the potential of miRs as diagnostic biomarkers for BCC and its histological variations.

Main Methods:

• miRs were sequenced from archival BCC and control skin specimens.
• Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to validate miR expression in a separate cohort.
• miR expression levels were normalized to miR-16-5p for comparative analysis.

Main Results:

• miR-383-5p and miR-145-5p were downregulated in all BCC subtypes compared to control skin.
• miR-181c-5p showed downregulation in superficial BCC versus invasive subtypes.
• Specific miRs demonstrated high accuracy in differentiating BCC from control skin (AUC 0.94-0.98), with moderate accuracy for subtype discrimination (AUC 0.7-0.8).

Conclusions:

• Certain miRs are differentially expressed across BCC subtypes and in comparison to normal skin.
• These miRs show promise as potential biomarkers for BCC diagnosis and subtype classification.
• Further prospective studies are needed to confirm the clinical utility of these miRs in guiding BCC biopsy and treatment decisions.