Indonesian Journal of Cancer
Vol 19, No 2 (2025): June

The Differential Gene Expression of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Versus Basal Cell Carcinoma Highlights Oxidative Phosphorylation As A Potential Factor in Metastasis: A Single-Cell Gene Expression Analysis Study

Soekmadji, Peter Nugraha (Unknown)
Sanjaya, Ardo (Unknown)
Tangano, Justin Javier (Unknown)
Gunadi, Julia Windi (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2025

Abstract

Background: Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) can be classified into basal (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Combined, they rank 5th among the highest incidences of cancer in the world. Despite their low mortality rate, metastasis remains a significant concern. Basal cell carcinoma grows slowly and rarely metastasizes, unlike squamous cell carcinoma, which usually metastasizes when left untreated. However, it is currently unknown what influences their metastatic potential.Method: This research uses single-cell RNA expression data from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The data will be preprocessed, normalized, and integrated before differential expression and enrichment analyses. Additionally, the 5 most upregulated genes in basal cell carcinoma compared to squamous cell carcinoma and vice versa will be discussed.Results: 165 genes highly expressed in BCC were identified and enriched, with the most significant enrichment for genes promoting apoptosis. We also identified 143 genes highly expressed in SCC, which had the most significant enrichment for genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation. The top 5 upregulated genes in BCC were KRT17, CXCL8, RPS17, CCL20, and IER3, and in SCC were KRT1, LY6D, FABP5, S100A8, and KRT10.Conclusion: We identified differentially expressed genes, including those related to oxidative phosphorylation and cell multiplication, which may help explain the varying behaviors of these cancers, particularly the higher metastatic potential of SCC. However, further research is needed to examine the effects of oxidative phosphorylation on these cancer cells.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

ijoc

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Indonesian Journal of Cancer is a peer-reviewed and open-access journal. This journal is published quarterly (in March, June, September, and December) by Dharmais Cancer Hospital - National Cancer Center. Submissions are reviewed under a broad scope of topics relevant to experimental and clinical ...