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Expression of CD44 isoforms in basal cell carcinomas
1Department of Dermatology, University of Saarland, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) show low CD44std expression, a hyaluronic acid receptor, potentially blocking metastasis. CD44v6 is present, but CD44v10 is undetectable in these skin tumors.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- CD44 isoforms are cell surface glycoproteins involved in cell adhesion and tumor progression.
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, typically with low metastatic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of CD44std, CD44v6, and CD44v10 in basal cell carcinomas.
- To correlate CD44 isoform expression with BCC characteristics and metastatic potential.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on 42 BCC samples (superficial and nodular types).
- Expression levels and distribution of CD44std, CD44v6, and CD44v10 were evaluated.
Main Results:
- CD44std expression was very low in most BCCs, with positive cells mainly in the nest centers.
- CD44v6 showed heterogeneous distribution, particularly in peripheral tumor cells, with intensity increasing with nest size in superficial BCCs.
- CD44v10 was not detectable in any of the studied BCCs.
Conclusions:
- The low expression of CD44std (hyaluronic acid receptor) may contribute to the limited metastatic capacity of BCCs.
- CD44v6 expression is not associated with the metastatic potential of keratinocyte-derived tumors.