[Molecular basis of ameloblastoma pathogenesis: A review]

Ameloblastoma is the most common and highly invasive benign odontogenic tumor. Its pathogenesis is not yet fully understood.

To describe the most important molecular findings that promote the proliferative activity of ameloblastoma and the factors involved that encourage invasion into surrounding bone tissues.

A search for scientific evidence was conducted through the following databases: Science Direct, Medline, Wiley, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. A total of 32 articles were reviewed, with inclusion criteria being articles published in English and Spanish; descriptive and analytical studies, narrative and systematic reviews published from January 2015 to June 2021. Letters to the editor were excluded.

The biological molecular findings that allow ameloblastoma to invade surrounding tissues involve alterations in the RANK/RANKL/OPG pathways, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and matrix metalloproteinases, as well as alterations in MAPK and SHH pathways that facilitate the proliferation and tumor development of ameloblastoma.

These findings are fundamental for a better understanding of the pathways involved in the pathogenesis of ameloblastoma.