Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C protein (XPC) expression in basal cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND The Xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C protein (XPC) is a general sensor of damaged DNA. Individuals carrying a mutation in XPC genes exhibit marked photosensitivity and increased occurrence of skin cancers. Little is known about the distribution of XPC protein in basal cell carcinoma (BCC). AIM To determine whether the XPC protein is associated with basal cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the present study, we investigated the protein expression of XPC by immunohistochemistry in 86 cases of BCC and paired-adjacent normal epidermis. RESULTS The intensity of nuclear XPC expression was significantly higher in BCC compared to adjacent normal epidermis (p<0.001). Attenuated XPC expression was associated with high-risk BCC (p=0.045) but was not significantly associated with age, gender and body area. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that XPC is associated with BCC and further studies are warranted to determine if the XPC-BCC interaction is specific to just one cancer cell type and to investigate potential mechanisms.