Matrix metalloproteinase expression in basal cell carcinoma, squamous carcinoma, and melanoma: diagnostic and prognostic potential

Introduction Skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, is one of the most common cancers worldwide. Matrix metalloproteinases are zinc-dependent proteolytic enzymes that play a crucial role in tumor invasion and angiogenesis by degrading the extracellular matrix. This study aims to analyze the specific expression of three matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-14) to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying the invasiveness of different skin cancer subtypes.Methods The study involved 30 patients aged between 40 and 50 years: 10 diagnosed with BCC, 10 with SCC, and 10 with melanoma. A control group of 10 normal skin samples was also used. All tumor samples were selected from non-invasive, well-differentiated forms. The expression of MMP-3, MMP-9, and MMP-14 was detected using immunohistochemistry on deparaffinized tissue sections.Results The IHC analysis revealed distinct expression patterns across the subtypes: Basal cell carcinoma: MMP-3 and MMP-14 were strongly expressed with both nuclear and cytoplasmic localization. MMP-9 expression was notably lower and limited to specific cells in the basal layers Squamous cell carcinoma: Only weak and diffuse cytoplasmic expression of MMP-14 was identified in the epidermal layers. MMP-3 and MMP-9 were completely absent. Melanoma: All three MMPs were highly expressed, exhibiting intense cytoplasmic and nuclear localization. MMP-3 and MMP-14 showed increased expression alongside significantly altered cellular architecture.Discussion The differential findings suggest that MMP expression reflects the biological behavior and metastatic potential of each tumor. In Basal cell carcinoma, the significant expression of MMP-3 and MMP-14 suggests involvement in local proliferation and stromal remodeling rather than high metastatic capacity. The absence of MMPs in Squamous cell carcinoma may be due to intense keratinization and a loss of metabolic function in these tumor cells. In melanoma, the high expression of all three enzymes confirms their significant role in aggressive invasion and angiogenesis.Conclusion MMP-3 and MMP-14 may serve as valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as potential therapeutic targets for skin cancer management.