Expression of Potential Dermal Progenitor Cell Markers in the Tumor and Stroma of Skin Adnexal Malignant and Benign Tumors

The study investigated the expression of dermal progenitor cell markers CRABP1, Nestin, and Ephrin B2 in 45 basal cell carcinomas and 38 skin appendage tumors. These markers were found in both the intratumoral stroma and the invasive front of the tumors, suggesting their involvement in tumor microenvironment and mesenchymal cell plasticity. CRABP1 was present at the invasive margin and tumor-stroma interaction sites, Nestin was highly expressed in the stroma of low-grade tumors, and Ephrin B2 was upregulated in advanced tumors. The findings indicated that these markers play roles in the formation and progression of skin appendage tumors, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets.