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Cathepsin B and D expression in squamous cell carcinoma
1Department of Dermatology, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan.
The British Journal of Dermatology
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Proteinases cathepsin B and cathepsin D are involved in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) malignancy. Their active forms co-localize in SCC cells, suggesting a cooperative role in tumor invasion.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Dermatopathology
Background:
- Proteinases play roles in cancer progression.
- Cathepsin B (cysteine proteinase) and Cathepsin D (aspartic proteinase) are implicated in malignancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and localization of Cathepsin B and Cathepsin D in keratinocyte malignancies.
- To determine the potential cooperative role of these proteinases in Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) invasion.
Main Methods:
- Western blotting and enzyme activity analysis to confirm protein presence and activity.
- Immunohistochemical staining of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from normal skin, SCC, Bowen's disease, seborrhoeic keratosis, and basal cell carcinoma (BCC).
Main Results:
- Cathepsin B expression was significantly enhanced in SCC tumor cells compared to normal epidermis, with distinct diffuse and granular staining patterns.
- Enhanced Cathepsin B expression was observed in a subset of Bowen's disease cases but not in seborrhoeic keratosis or BCC.
- Cathepsin D stained intensely in SCC tumor cells in half of the cases, with similar cytoplasmic localization to Cathepsin B; no enhanced Cathepsin D staining was found in other conditions.
Conclusions:
- The presence and co-localization of active Cathepsin B and Cathepsin D in SCC cells suggest their cooperation in tumor invasion.
- These proteinases may represent potential therapeutic targets for SCC treatment.