Actinic Keratosis

Researchers at University of Crete release new data on squamous cell carcinoma

Actinic Keratosis Library Library Home This article was published in Clinical Oncology Week, which you can subscribe to online.

"The RAS oncogene has been proposed to significantly contribute to skin cancer development. Moreover, numerous BRAF mutations have been detected in melanoma biopsy specimens and cell lines. This study aimed to measure the mRNA levels of the genes BRAF and RKIP in AK, as well as their possible implication in the progress of AK to SCC. All biopsy specimens were also screened for BRAF mutations within exons 11 and 15. Significant downregulation was noted for both genes in SCC, compared to normal tissue (for BRAF, p = 0.002; for RKIP, p< 0.001). RKIP expression levels were significantly higher than the corresponding levels of BRAF (p < 0.001), whereas the two genes showed a negative correlation not only in AK and SCC, but in the adjacent phenotypically normal skin tissue, as well. No mutation was detected, either in AK or SCC, within exons 11 and 15 of the BRAF gene. Expression levels of the genes BRAF and RKIP were examined in 16 AKs and 12 SCCs by RT-qPCR. A novel allele-specific qPCR method, in combination with direct DNA sequencing, was performed in order to inspect the frequency of the V600E mutation in exon 15, as well as to examine the mutation status of the gene within exon 11. Both BRAF and RKIP expression levels exhibit a decrease from normal skin tissue and AK, going to SCC. The decrease of RKIP mRNA levels in SCC, suggests one novel mechanism in the deregulation of the BRAF signaling pathway," wrote A. Zaravinos and colleagues, University of Crete.

The researchers concluded: "Our results further indicate that BRAF does not appear to be frequently mutated either in pre-cancerous skin lesions (AK) or in non-melanoma skin tumors (SCC).."

Zaravinos and colleagues published their study in Cell Cycle (BRAF and RKIP are significantly decreased in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Cell Cycle, 2009;8(9):1402-1408).

For additional information, contact D.A. Spandidos, University of Crete, Virology Laboratory, School Medical, Iraklion 71100, Crete, Greece.

The publisher's contact information for the journal Cell Cycle is: Landes Bioscience, 1002 West Avenue, 2ND Floor, Austin, TX 78701, USA.

Keywords: Greece, Actinic Keratosis, Biopsy, Dermatology, Melanoma, Oncology, Skin Cancer, Skin Neoplasms, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Surgery, University of Crete.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2009, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.