Keratinization In Vitro of Cells From a Basal Cell Carcinoma

Summary

Basal cell cancer (BCC) of the skin, comprised of germinativc cells showing no evidence of keratinization in vivo, when grown in vitro exhibits specific histologic and ultrastructural signs of keratinization. Non-keratinized cells are located centrally in the tumor expiants, and keratinized cells peripherally. The gradient and degree of keratinization in BCC in vitro are similar to those of normal epidermis in vivo and in vitro. The failure of BCC tumor cells to keratinize in vivo therefore seems to be a defect that is reversible.