Abnormal expression of epiligrin and alpha 6 beta 4 integrin in basal cell carcinoma.
BACKGROUND
Basal cell carcinoma is characterized by local invasion, and only rarely metastasizes. The role of the containing basement membrane (BM) in this tumor is unclear. Several BM components have been shown to be absent or significantly reduced in BM surrounding infiltrating tumor.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study is to examine the expression of epiligrin, a BM-associated glycoprotein, and the integrin chains alpha 3, alpha 6, beta 1, and beta 4 in the basement membranes surrounding basal cell carcinoma.


METHODS
Samples were obtained from 20 patients with basal cell carcinomas and subjected to a standard avidin biotin complex/alkaline phosphatase immunohistochemical technique using a panel of antibodies.


RESULTS
There was a consistent abnormality of expression of epiligrin, alpha 6, and beta 4.


CONCLUSIONS
We propose that reduced expression of epiligrin is involved in the pathogenesis of the local invasion by tumor and that an altered integrin ratio in basal cell carcinoma enhances tumor spread.
Schofield
O
O
Department of Dermatology, University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic, Minneapolis, USA.
Kist
D
D
Lucas
A
A
Wayner
E
E
Carter
W
W
Zachary
C
C
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm / Q000378:metabolism*; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000378:metabolism*; D001485:Basement Membrane / Q000737:chemistry; D002280:Basal Cell Carcinoma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D039161:Integrin alpha6beta4; D016023:Integrins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D012867:Skin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D000097794:Kalinin
D000951:Antigens, Neoplasm; D000954:Antigens, Surface; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules; D039161:Integrin alpha6beta4; D016023:Integrins; D000097794:Kalinin