[Expression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin in Bowen's disease and squamous cell carcinoma].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the involvement of E-cadherin-catenin adhesion system in Bowen's disease (BD) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).


METHODS
Fifteen normal skin, 28 BD and 18 SCC specimens were stained with monoclonal antibodies against E-cadherin and beta-catenin. Evaluation of the staining results was performed with semi-quantification of the pattern and intensity of staining, percentage of positive cells, and cytoplasmic staining.


RESULTS
Normal skins strongly expressed membranous E-cadherin and beta-catenin, but their expression was remarkably reduced in BD and SCC. Abnormal staining of beta-catenin was observed in the cytoplasm or cell nuclei of BD and SCC.


CONCLUSIONS
Abnormal expression of the E-cadherin/catenin complex is common in SCC and BD.
Li
Zheng-xiao
ZX
Department of Dermatology, Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China.
Peng
Zhen-hui
ZH
Ji
Fan-pu
FP
Yuan
Jing-yi
JY
Pan
Min
M
Liu
Yan
Y
Wang
Qiong
Q
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001913:Bowen's Disease / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D015820:Cadherins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D051176:beta Catenin / Q000096:biosynthesis*
D015820:Cadherins; D051176:beta Catenin