Immunolocalization of vimentin, keratin 17, Ki-67, involucrin, β-catenin and E-cadherin in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a subtype of very aggressive skin cancers. To investigate if epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process for epitheloid cells losing their polarity and cohesiveness and transform into spindle-shaped cells, occurs in skin SCC. By using immunofluorescence, we defined the immunolocalization of vimentin, Keratin 17, β-catenin, E-cadherin, Ki-67 and involucrin, in SCC samples. Our results show reduced activity of involucrin and E-cadherin, and increased expression of Ki-67, β-catenin, Keratin 17 and vimentin in SCC. These data propose that EMT really occurs in poorly differentiated SCC and keratin 17 and involucrin may be another two biomarkers for EMT.