DNA damage and repair scenario in ameloblastoma

Ameloblastoma is a rare human disease of benign neoplasm odontogenic tumor with a lower prevalence but higher recurrence rate. Etiology of ameloblastoma is not fully understood thus lacks implementation of curative treatments. One of the proposed models of evolution of ameloblastoma is related to alteration in DNA damage and repair effects. Growing body of literature has associated defect in DNA damage and repair mechanisms with cancer risk and various adverse health outcomes in humans. Persistent defect of repair and escape of these genomic unstable cells from cell death mechanisms can contribute towards accumulation of oncogene driver or tumor suppressor mutations selective for malignant transformations. In addition, growth, progression and survival of tumor depends upon its DNA repair mechanisms too, thus identifying a DNA repair biomarker can be of advantageous to eliminate the tumor. Understanding the interconnection of oral lesion and role of various DNA repair mechanisms in context to ameloblastoma will assist to build up a platform for translational based research. This study is a literature review of research work published up to date in the field of ameloblastoma in regard to DNA damage and repair effects.