Proteomic profile of tissue-derived extracellular vesicles from benign odontogenic lesions.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Benign odontogenic lesions (BOLs) can cause severe jaw bone defects and compromise the quality of life of patients. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are well-established and versatile players in mediating pathophysiological events. EVs in the interstitial space (tissue-derived EVs or Ti-EVs) possess higher specificity and sensitivity in disease-related biomarker discovery. However, the role of Ti-EV-loaded proteins in mediating the development of BOLs has remained untapped. Herein, we aim to explore the contribution of Ti-EV-loaded proteins to the development of BOLs. METHODS: Samples were obtained from 3 with dental follicle, 3 with dentigerous cyst (DC), 7 with odontogenic keratocyst (OKC), and 3 patients with ameloblastoma (AM). Tissue-derived EVs were then extracted, purified, and validated using ultracentrifugation, transmission electron microscopy, and western blotting. Proteins from Ti-EVs were analyzed using LC-ESI tandem mass spectroscopy and differentially expressed proteins were screened, which was then validated by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays. RESULTS: The protein profile of Ti-EVs in each group was mapped by LC-MS analysis. The top 10 abundant proteins in BOL-derived Ti-EVs were COL6A3, COL6A1, ALB, HIST1H4A, HBB, ACTB, HIST1H2BD, ANXA2, COL6A2 and FBN1. Additionally, unique proteins in the Ti-EVs from various lesions were identified. Moreover, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88) showed higher expressions in Ti-EVs derived from OKC and AM, which were confirmed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. CONCLUSIONS: Ti-EVs containing FAK and MyD88 might be related to the development of OKC and AM, which can be potential therapeutic targets.