RESUMO
BACKGROUND/AIM: Nodular and superficial are the most common subtypes of basal cell carcinoma (BCC). Signaling pathways such as Hedgehog (HH) and Wingless (WNT) signaling are associated with BCC phenotypic variation. The aim of the study was to evaluate of the expression profiles of 84 genes related to the WNT and HH signaling pathways in patients with nodular and superficial BCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 58 BCCs and 13 samples of normal skin were evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to detect the gene-expression profile. RESULTS: qPCR array showed segregation in BCC subtypes compared to healthy skin. PRKX, WNT3 and WNT16 were significantly (p<0.05) altered: PRKX was up-regulated, and WNT3 and WNT16 were down-regulated in nodular BCC. CONCLUSION: PRKX, WNT3 and WNT16 genes, belonging to the WNT signaling pathway, are involved in the tumorigenic process of nodular BCC.