Examination of reactivity of TRPC1 and TRPM2 within actinic keratosis, basal cell carsinoma, squamoz cell carsinoma and Malignant Melanoma

Skin cancer is the most common malignancy worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in three individuals diagnosed with cancer has skin cancer. This highlights the significance of skin cancer as a global health issue. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of skin cancer is crucial for developing diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In this context, the role of ion channels in physiological and pathological processes has gained increasing attention in recent years. In particular, TRPC1 and TRPM2 ion channels have become prominent due to their modulation by oxidative stress and increased expression in malignant diseases. Alterations in these channels can influence intracellular signaling pathways, thereby contributing to cancer development. This study investigates the immunoreactivity of TRPC1 and TRPM2 ion channels in different types of skin cancer. Excisional biopsy samples archived by the Department of Medical Pathology and collected from patients at the Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery Clinic of Fırat University Faculty of Medicine between September 2019 and September 2023 were used. The study included five groups: four patient groups (Actinic Keratosis, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and Malignant Melanoma) and one control group. A total of 15 patient samples were examined in each patient group. The findings indicate that TRPC1 and TRPM2 are expressed both in normal skin tissue and in different types of skin cancer. However, the immunoreactivity of both ion channels was significantly reduced in skin cancer samples compared to normal skin tissue. These results suggest that TRPC1 and TRPM2 may play a role in the pathogenesis of skin cancer. Additionally, the expression levels of these ion channels may be associated with tumor size and staging. These findings indicate the potential use of TRPC1 and TRPM2 as prognostic biomarkers in skin cancer. Our study results suggest that TRPC1 and TRPM2 antagonists and agonists could be effective in inhibiting the growth and progression of skin tumors. Furthermore, these ion channels may serve as potential targets for tumor immunotherapy. However, to strongly support these hypotheses, larger-scale and more comprehensive studies are required. Such studies could significantly contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of skin cancer and the development of new therapeutic strategies. Keywords: Actinic Keratosis, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Malignant Melanoma, TRPC1, TRPM2