Differential expression of SKALP/Elafin in human epidermal tumors.
Recently we described a new epidermal serine proteinase inhibitor, skin-derived antileukoproteinase (SKALP), also known as elafin. SKALP/elafin was found to be absent in normal human epidermis, but can be induced in vitro and in vivo under hyperproliferative conditions. Here we studied the expression of SKALP/elafin in several types of epidermal tumors (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, Bowen's disease, actinic keratosis, and keratoacanthoma). Using immunohistochemical staining SKALP/elafin appeared to be differentially expressed in these tumors. Functional measurements of anti-proteinase activity, and Western blotting of tumor extracts confirmed our findings at the histological level. In well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma, SKALP/elafin messenger RNA was demonstrated by non-radioactive in situ hybridization. We conclude that SKALP/elafin is a marker for abnormal or disturbed squamous differentiation. A possible role of SKALP/elafin in the control of tumor cell invasion is discussed.
Alkemade
H A
HA
Department of Dermatology, Academic Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
Molhuizen
H O
HO
van Vlijmen-Willems
I M
IM
van Haelst
U J
UJ
Schalkwijk
J
J
D015153:Blotting, Western; D001913:Bowen's Disease / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology; D004591:Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007636:Keratoacanthoma / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D053491:Proteinase Inhibitory Proteins, Secretory; D011506:Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D015842:Serine Proteinase Inhibitors / Q000032:analysis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000473:pathology / Q000503:physiopathology
D053491:Proteinase Inhibitory Proteins, Secretory; D011506:Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D015842:Serine Proteinase Inhibitors