Expression of microRNA-31 and microRNA-205 in basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and healthy controls: a comparative study

Abstract

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small nonprotein coding RNAs that play an important role in physiological cellular processes. MicroRNA (miR)-205 and miR-31 are among the most frequently altered miRNAs in human malignancies. Objective To measure miR-205 and miR-31 expression in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) skin biopsies in comparison with sun-exposed and nonexposed skin of healthy controls in order to evaluate their possible role in the pathogenesis. Patients and methods This study included 15 BCC patients, 15 SCC patients and 20 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls (10 with biopsies from sun-exposed areas and 10 with biopsies from nonexposed areas). Skin biopsies were taken from all participants for assessment of miR-205 and miR-31 levels by real-time PCR. Results MiR-205 levels were significantly lower in BCC and in SCC than in controls, whether sun-exposed or nonexposed. MiR-31 levels were significantly higher in BCC and in SCC than in controls, whether sun-exposed or nonexposed. There was no significant relation between miR-205 or miR-31 and age, sex, duration, site, shape, or size in all groups. There was no significant correlation between miR-205 and miR-31 in BCC, SCC, sun-exposed controls or nonexposed controls. Conclusion The study revealed lower miR-205 and higher miR-31 levels in both BCC and SCC patients than in controls, suggesting a possible role for these miRNAs in the pathogenesis and management of BCC and SCC.

Keywords

• basal cell carcinomas
• micrornas
• microrna-205
• microrna-31
• squamous cell carcinomas