Autoantibodies against p53, MMP-7, and Hsp70 as Potential Biomarkers for Detection of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers

Matrix Effectors in the Pathogenesis of Keratinocyte-Derived Carcinomas

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), referred to as keratinocyte carcinomas, are skin cancer with the highest incidence. BCCs, rarely metastasize; whereas, though generally not characterized by high lethality, approximately 2–4% of primary cSCCs metastasize with patients exhibiting poor prognosis. The extracellular matrix (ECM) serves as a scaffold that provides structural and biological support to cells in all human tissues. The main components of the ECM, including fibrillar proteins, proteoglycans (PGs), glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), and adhesion proteins such as fibronectin, are secreted by the cells in a tissue-specific manner, critical for the proper function of each organ. The skin compartmentalization to the epidermis and dermis compartments is based on a basement membrane (BM), a highly specialized network of ECM proteins that separate and unify the two compartments. The stiffness and assembly of BM and tensile forces affect tumor progenitors' invasion at the stratified epithelium's stromal border. Likewise, the mechanical properties of the stroma, e.g., stiffness, are directly correlated to the pathogenesis of the keratinocyte carcinomas. Since the ECM is a pool for various growth factors, cytokines, and chemokines, its' intense remodeling in the aberrant cancer tissue milieu affects biological functions, such as angiogenesis, adhesion, proliferation, or cell motility by regulating specific signaling pathways. This review discusses the structural and functional modulations of the keratinocyte carcinoma microenvironment. Furthermore, we debate how ECM remodeling affects the pathogenesis of these skin cancers.

Immunohistochemical expression of p53, Ki67, α-SMA, CD44 and CD31 in different histological subtypes of basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a common, locally invasive tumor that arises within sun-damaged skin and rarely develops on the palms and soles or mucous membranes. Men generally have higher rates of BCC than women. Incidence also increases with age and the median age of diagnosis is 68 years old. Mortality from BCC is rare and cases of aggressive, local destructive, metastatic BCCs are more likely from tumors with aggressive histopathological (HP) patterns. The aim of this study was to investigate and correlate the immunohistochemical expression of p53, Ki67, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), cluster of differentiation (CD)44 and CD31 with both aggressive and nonaggressive types of BCCs. In our study, we observed a varied staining pattern for p53, with the highest reactivity noticed in the peripheral palisading zone. The staining pattern for Ki67 was similar to p53, with a more pronounced reaction in the periphery of the tumor. We found different Ki67 and p53 expression among the various subtypes of BCC. The CD31 reactivity, mostly seen in the stroma, was positive in all BCCs and varied significantly between its different HP subtypes. Regarding stromal expression of α-SMA, the adenoid and basosquamous types had the most intense reaction in our study. The CD44 tumor expression was correlated in our study to the aggressive pattern of BCCs.