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

BackgroundMicroRNAs (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.ObjectiveTo 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 methodsThis 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.ResultsMiR-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.ConclusionThe 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.