Molecular markers of tumor invasiveness in ameloblastoma: An update

The aim of the present article was to review the current new knowledge on the molecular markers of tumor invasion in ameloblastoma. In this review, tumor molecular markers were identified and allocated to the following six groups according to their functions: (I) Markers involved in extracellular matrix degradation, (II) Molecular markers involved in cell adhesion lost, (III) Molecular markers involved in bone remodeling, (IV) Cytokines involved in angiogenesis, (V) Molecular markers related with the function of tumor stromal cells on the invasion of ameloblastoma, and (VI) Molecular markers involved in cell proliferation related with invasion. In general, the location of markers within the tumor and not their quantitative assessments as such is emphasized. Data showed that the correlation among molecular markers of invasive relevance is still not quite clear. Results on markers of tumor invasion and metastatic potential appeared to be too premature for a statement regarding the instinct invasive nature of ameloblastoma. The unraveling of specific new details concerning these mechanisms, whereby the expression and relationships among the molecules are mediated, may provide an opportunity to afford efficient prevention and develop new treatment therapies.