Mismatch repair system proteins in oral benign and malignant lesions

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Oncology

Background:

• DNA mutations can arise from environmental factors or errors in DNA replication, potentially leading to diseases.
• The mismatch repair (MMR) system is crucial for correcting DNA mismatches and small insertion/deletion loops, preventing mutations.
• The role of MMR proteins in oral carcinogenesis and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) pathogenesis and prognosis requires further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and critically discuss existing data on MMR protein expression in oral potentially malignant lesions and oral neoplasms.
• To elucidate the relevance of MMR proteins in the pathogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and other oral malignancies.
• To assess the potential prognostic value of MMR proteins in patients with oral malignancies.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of studies investigating MMR protein expression.
• Analysis of data concerning MMR proteins in oral potentially malignant lesions, OSCC, and other oral neoplasms.
• Critical discussion of the current understanding of MMR protein function in oral carcinogenesis.

Main Results:

• The review synthesizes available data on MMR protein expression across various oral lesions.
• Evidence regarding the specific role and prognostic significance of MMR proteins in OSCC is being evaluated.
• The current literature presents a complex picture of MMR protein involvement in oral cancer development.

Conclusions:

• A comprehensive understanding of MMR proteins' expression patterns is essential for clarifying their role in oral carcinogenesis.
• Further research is needed to establish the prognostic potential of MMR proteins in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients.
• MMR proteins represent a potential area of interest for understanding and managing oral malignancies.