YAP Expression is Related to the Aggressive Behavior of Odontogenic Cysts

Area of Science:

• Oral pathology
• Molecular biology
• Oncology

Background:

• Yes-associated protein (YAP) and Ki-67 are key regulators of cell proliferation.
• Overexpression of YAP and Ki-67 is linked to aggressive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).
• Their specific roles in odontogenic cysts remain under-investigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To immunohistochemically assess the expression of YAP and Ki-67 in various odontogenic cysts.
• To compare YAP and Ki-67 expression levels between different cyst types and normal oral mucosa.
• To explore the potential correlation between YAP and Ki-67 in odontogenic cysts.

Main Methods:

• Immunohistochemical analysis of YAP and Ki-67 expression in 12 radicular cysts, 10 dentigerous cysts, 9 odontogenic keratocysts, and 9 normal oral mucosa samples.
• Quantitative analysis using ImageJ software.
• Statistical evaluation using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, with Spearman correlation for protein association (p < 0.05).

Main Results:

• Odontogenic keratocysts exhibited significantly stronger nuclear and cytoplasmic YAP staining compared to radicular cysts, dentigerous cysts, and normal oral mucosa (p < 0.05).
• Ki-67 expression was markedly elevated in odontogenic keratocysts relative to other cyst types and normal oral mucosa.
• No significant correlation was found between YAP and Ki-67 across all groups, but a positive trend was observed in odontogenic keratocysts.

Conclusions:

• YAP activation appears associated with the proliferative potential of odontogenic cysts, particularly in aggressive types like odontogenic keratocysts.
• YAP is less likely to be a significant factor in the pathogenesis of inflammatory odontogenic cysts.
• Findings may enhance understanding of odontogenic cyst pathogenesis and inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.