NOX-1 and Raftlin Overexpression in Basal Cell Carcinoma: Implications for Tumour Signalling and Biology

Abstract Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most prevalent skin cancer, yet the contributions of oxidative stress and lipid raft–associated immune signalling remain underexplored. This study investigated the expression patterns of NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX-1) and Raftlin in BCC tissue. Methods: A total of 63 patients with histologically confirmed BCC were included. Protein levels of NOX-1 and Raftlin were quantified via ELISA in matched lesional and adjacent non-lesional skin samples. Statistical comparisons used paired t -tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Correlations were assessed using Spearman’s rank analysis. Results: NOX-1 levels were significantly higher in BCC lesions (mean ± SD: 4.79 ± 0.87) versus non-lesional skin (2.10 ± 0.49; P < 0.001). Similarly, Raftlin levels were elevated in lesional tissue (median [IQR]: 1.86 [1.65–2.25]) compared to normal skin (0.83 [0.69–0.97]; P < 0.001). Lesional NOX-1 and Raftlin each showed strong correlations with their respective tissue expression deltas (ρ =0.836 and ρ =0.850, respectively), while cross-marker correlations were weak or nonsignificant. Conclusions: NOX-1 and Raftlin are both upregulated in BCC, supporting their roles in oxidative and immune signalling. Their distinct co-expression profiles suggest independent regulatory mechanisms and potential as molecular biomarkers in BCC pathogenesis.