Abstract: Objective To investigate the expression and significance of transforming growth factor beta receptors (TGFβRⅠ,TGFβRⅡ) in basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.Methods The expression of TGFβRⅠand TGFβRⅡwere assessed by quantitative real time PCR and streptavidin-peroxidase (SP) immunohistochemical techniques in specimens of basal cell carcinoma,squamous cell carcinoma and normal control skin.Results Eighteen patients with basal cell carcinoma and twenty-four with squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled in the study.The expression levels of TGFβRⅠand RⅡmRNA were significantly down-regulated in basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in comparison with those in control skin specimens (P<0.001).The intensity of positive immunostaining for TGFβRⅠand TGFβRⅡwere also significantly down-regulated in basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma in comparison with those in normal skin (P< 0.01).Conclusions Down-regulation of TGFβreceptor expression may interfere with TGFβsignaling transduction pathway,and contribute to the formation of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

Key words: Carcinoma, basal cell, Carcinoma, squamous cell, Transforming growth factor beta, Receptors, transforming growth factor beta