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Molecular Signaling in Benign Odontogenic Neoplasia Pathogenesis
1Institute of Oral Health Research, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
Abstract:
Several molecular pathways have been shown to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of odontogenic tumors. These neoplasms arise from the epithelial or mesenchymal cells of the dental apparatus in the jaw or oral mucosa. Next generation genomic sequencing has identified gene mutations or single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with many of these tumors. In this review, we focus on two of the most common odontogenic tumor subtypes: ameloblastoma and keratocystic odontogenic tumors. We highlight gene expression and protein immunohistological findings and known genetic alterations in the hedgehog, BRAF/Ras/MAPK, epidermal growth factor receptor, Wnt and Akt signaling pathways relevant to these tumors. These various pathways are explored to potentially target odontogenic tumors cells and prevent growth and recurrence of disease. Through an understanding of these signaling pathways and their crosstalk, molecular diagnostics may emerge as well as the ability to exploit identified molecular differences to develop novel molecular therapeutics for the treatment of odontogenic tumors.
Insights
This review explores molecular pathways in odontogenic tumors, focusing on ameloblastoma and keratocystic odontogenic tumors. Understanding these pathways may lead to new molecular diagnostics and therapeutics for these jaw neoplasms.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Oral Pathology
Background:
- Odontogenic tumors are neoplasms originating from dental epithelial or mesenchymal cells.
- Molecular pathways are crucial in the pathogenesis of these tumors.
- Gene mutations and polymorphisms are increasingly identified via next-generation sequencing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review key molecular pathways implicated in ameloblastoma and keratocystic odontogenic tumors.
- To highlight genetic alterations and signaling pathway involvement.
- To explore potential for molecular diagnostics and targeted therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on gene expression, immunohistology, and genetic alterations.
- Analysis of signaling pathways including hedgehog, BRAF/Ras/MAPK, EGFR, Wnt, and Akt.
- Integration of genomic sequencing findings.
Main Results:
- Specific gene mutations and polymorphisms are associated with odontogenic tumors.
- Aberrant signaling in hedgehog, BRAF/Ras/MAPK, EGFR, Wnt, and Akt pathways is identified.
- Crosstalk between pathways influences tumor behavior.
Conclusions:
- Understanding molecular pathways is key to targeting odontogenic tumors.
- Novel molecular diagnostics and therapeutics can be developed based on identified alterations.
- Targeting these pathways may prevent tumor growth and recurrence.
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