Enhanced Expression of N-Cadherin, but Not of E-Cadherin, in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Comparison to Basal Cell Carcinoma
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Adhesion molecules including E-cadherin and N-cadherin have been proven to contribute to the carcinogenesis process. It has been demonstrated that an increased expression or appearance of N-cadherin, as well as a reduction in the expression of E-cadherin, are documented in many cancers, often leading to the loss of intercellular adhesion and acquisition of a more invasive or even metastatic mesenchymal phenotype. The aim of this study was to assess the expression of E-cadherin and N-cadherin, as well as markers of proliferation Ki67 in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). METHODS: A total of 123 tumor paraffin specimens, including 73 BCC and 50 SCC cases, were obtained from multiple anatomical locations. The expression of E-Cadherin and N-Cadherin, including the percentage of stained cells, was assessed using a four-grade scale, with Ki-67 assessed on the five-grade scale. RESULTS: < 0.001). No significant differences were observed with regard to E-cadherin expression between SCC and BCC. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that N-cadherin expression might contribute to the acquisition of the mesenchymal phenotype, SCC, when compared with BCC, with a high expression of E-cadherin in both tumors explaining their overall low rate of metastases; however, further research on the role of adhesion molecules in these tumors is needed.
Source: Cancers
Language: English
Subfield: Epidemiology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,296
Award: G554673590
OpenAlex ID: W4405644277