Exp Dermatol. 2018 Jul 22. doi: 10.1111/exd.13755. [Epub ahead of print]

Characterization of stem-like cancer cells in basal cell carcinoma and its surgical margins.

Milosevic M^1,2, Lazarevic M^1,2, Toljic B¹, Simonovic J¹, Trisic D¹, Nikolic N¹, Petrovic M², Milasin J¹.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Understanding the pathogenesis of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and identifying the cells responsible for propagation and recurrence, is crucial for the development of new treatment strategies. The aim of this study was to characterize the cells isolated from BCC and its margin.

METHODS:

Primary cultures were established from 10 BCCs, their respective close resection margins (3 mm) and 10 control tissues. Stem cell markers analysis was done by real-time PCR and/or flow-cytometry. Scratch wound healing, spheroid formation and MTT assays were also performed.

RESULTS:

Real-time PCR showed a higher expression of embryonic (Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog) and mesenchymal (CD44 and CD73) stem cell markers in tumors compared to margins and controls (p<0.05). Bmi-1 and GPR49 were also up-regulated in tumors in comparison to margins. Both tumor and margin cells, but not normal, had the capacity to form spheroids. During passages the number of spheres increased, while the diameter decreased. Tumor cells showed higher chemo-resistance compared to margin and control cells.

CONCLUSIONS:

BCCs expressed stem cell markers, pointing to the existence of a cancer cell side- population with stemness characteristics. Margin also appeared to harbor a small number of cancer initiating cells. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.