WNT signalling pathway in oral lesions

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Oral Pathology
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• The Wingless-Integrated/Beta-catenin (WNT/β-catenin) signalling pathway regulates fundamental cellular processes like proliferation and differentiation.
• Dysregulation of WNT/β-catenin signalling, through epigenetic DNA methylation and gene silencing, is implicated in oral potentially malignant disorders.
• Increased WNT inhibitory proteins and inflammation contribute to bone loss in periapical lesions, such as chronic apical periodontitis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the molecular genetics of potentially malignant oral lesions.
• To elucidate the role of WNT/β-catenin signalling in bone loss associated with periapical lesions.
• To explore therapeutic strategies targeting the WNT/β-catenin pathway.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on molecular genetics and signalling pathways.
• Analysis of studies investigating WNT/β-catenin in oral lesions and bone metabolism.
• Synthesis of current understanding and potential therapeutic interventions.

Main Results:

• Epigenetic alterations in WNT pathway genes are linked to oral carcinogenesis.
• WNT signalling modulation by inhibitory proteins and inflammation drives bone resorption in periapical disease.
• The WNT/β-catenin pathway presents a potential target for treating oral lesions and bone loss.

Conclusions:

• WNT/β-catenin signalling is a key player in oral health and disease.
• Understanding pathway alterations offers insights into oral cancer development and periapical bone destruction.
• Targeting WNT/β-catenin signalling holds promise for novel therapeutic approaches in dentistry.