Cellular localization of retinoic acid receptor-gamma expression in normal and neoplastic skin.

The study investigated the expression of retinoic acid receptor-gamma (RAR-gamma) in normal and neoplastic human skin using Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization. RAR-gamma mRNA was found in normal skin, neonatal keratinocyte cultures, and was localized to all layers of the epidermis, hair follicles, and skin glands. Basal cell carcinoma consistently expressed RAR-gamma 1 mRNA, while one of seven squamous cell carcinomas showed reduced expression compared to adjacent tissue. Normal melanocytic nevi and tumor-associated lymphocytes had little to no RAR-gamma mRNA. These findings indicated that RAR-gamma 1 might have been crucial for the maintenance and differentiation of normal epidermis and skin appendages.