Basal cell carcinoma stem cells exhibit osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential

Specific cell subpopulations identified as cancer stem cells (CSCs) can be found in basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Generally, CSCs have a marked trans-differentiation potential that could potentially be used in differentiation therapies. However, there are no studies regarding BCC CSCs multipotency. The aim of the study was to analyze the characteristic of CSCs of BCC with emphasis on their differentiation potential upon specific induction. Specific staining and cell morphology were used for differentiation confirmation, along with the expression analysis of osteogenic (ALP, BSP, Runx2, OCN, BMP2), chondrogenic (COL1 and COL2A1), adipogenic (PPAR-γ) and neurogenic (Nestin and MAP2) markers. BCC CSCs differentiated into osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages, as judged by staining and high expression of specific markers (from 2-to 92-fold higher upon induction). Concomitantly with differentiation, the levels of cancer stem cell markers decreased in the cultures. Adipo-differentiation and neuro-differentiation were unsuccessful. In conclusion, BCC CSCs exhibit the capacity to trans-differentiate, a characteristic that may potentially be useful in the development of new strategies for the treatment of aggressive BCCs.