Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis
06:53

Cell Population Analyses During Skin Carcinogenesis

Published on: August 21, 2013

Influence of topical and systemic retinoids on basal cell carcinoma cell membranes

P M Elias, S Grayson, E G Gross

    Cancer
    |August 15, 1981
    PubMed

    Insights

    Topical retinoid acid (RA) increased gap junction density and decreased desmosome density in basal cell cancers (BCC). Systemic 13-cis retinoic acid (CRA) had no significant effect, suggesting different retinoid mechanisms for cancer prevention.

    Area of Science:

    • Dermatology
    • Cancer Biology
    • Cell Biology

    Background:

    • Retinoids are investigated for epithelial cancer prevention, but their cellular mechanisms are unclear.
    • Malignancy is linked to changes in cell junction proteins like gap junctions and desmosomes.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the effects of topical retinoid acid (RA) and oral 13-cis retinoic acid (CRA) on cell junctions in basal cell cancers (BCC).
    • To explore potential differences in the cellular mechanisms of topical versus systemic retinoids in cancer treatment.

    Main Methods:

    • Examined freeze-fracture replicas and thin sections of BCC cell membranes from patients treated with topical RA, oral CRA, or vehicle.
    • Quantified gap junction and desmosome density and size distribution using planimetry in a single-blind manner.

    Main Results:

    • Topical RA significantly increased gap junction density (two-fold) and decreased desmosome density (35%) compared to controls.
    • Systemic CRA did not significantly alter gap junction or desmosome density or size.
    • Neither RA nor CRA affected hemidesmosome or microfilament populations, and structural changes did not correlate with tumor regression or inflammation.

    Conclusions:

    • Topical RA alters cell junction structures in basal cell cancers, potentially contributing to its antineoplastic effects.
    • Systemic CRA does not appear to affect these specific cell junction components.
    • Topical and systemic retinoids may employ distinct cellular mechanisms to exert their antineoplastic activities.

    More Related Videos

    Evaluation of Keratinocyte Proliferation on Two- and Three-dimensional Type I Collagen Substrates08:19

    Evaluation of Keratinocyte Proliferation on Two- and Three-dimensional Type I Collagen Substrates

    Published on: April 22, 2019

    Combining Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Skin Cancers via Image Acquisition09:37

    Combining Reflectance Confocal Microscopy with Optical Coherence Tomography for Noninvasive Diagnosis of Skin Cancers via Image Acquisition

    Published on: August 18, 2022

    Related Concept Videos

    The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

    The Retinoblastoma Gene

    Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
    The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
    Assembly of the Lipid Bilayer in the ER01:28

    Assembly of the Lipid Bilayer in the ER

    Biological membranes are more than just a barrier separating cell cytoplasm from the outside environment. They are highly dynamic and help maintain the integrity and physiological stability of the cells as well as membrane-bound organelles. Membranes also play vital roles in cell-to-cell and intracellular communication.
    A large chunk of any biological membrane is composed of phospholipids. These lipids have a heterogeneous distribution across different subcellular organelles and even between...
    Skin Cancer01:30

    Skin Cancer

    Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
    Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
    Acne Infection01:27

    Acne Infection

    Acne is a multifactorial skin condition primarily affecting adolescents and young adults, with a global prevalence estimated to exceed 75% in this demographic. The condition is characterized by the formation of comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), papules, pustules, nodules, and, in severe cases, cysts, particularly in areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the face, neck, chest, and back. The pathogenesis involves increased sebum production, follicular hyperkeratinization, colonization by...