Comprehensive Genomic Analysis of Cemento-Ossifying Fibroma.

Cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) of the jaws is currently classified as a benign mesenchymal odontogenic tumor, and only targeted approaches have been used to assess its genetic alterations. A minimal proportion of COFs harbor CDC73 somatic mutations, and copy number alterations (CNAs) involving chromosomes 7 and 12 have recently been reported in a small proportion of cases. However, the genetic background of COFs remains obscure. We used a combination of whole-exome sequencing and RNA sequencing to assess somatic mutations, fusion transcripts, and CNAs in a cohort of 12 freshly collected COFs. No recurrent fusions have been identified among the 5 cases successfully analyzed by RNA sequencing, with in-frame fusions being detected in 2 cases (MARS1::GOLT1B and PARG::BMS1 in one case and NCLN::FZR1 and NFIC::SAMD1 in the other case) and no candidate fusions identified for the remaining 3 cases. No recurrent pathogenic mutations were detected in the 11 cases that had undergone whole-exome sequencing. A KRAS p.L19F missense variant was detected in one case, and 2 CDC73 deletions were detected in another case. The other variants were of uncertain significance and included variants in PC, ACTB, DOK6, HACE1, and COL1A2 and previously unreported variants in PTPN14, ATP5F1C, APOBEC1, HDAC5, ATF7IP, PARP2, and ACTR3B. The affected genes do not clearly converge on any signaling pathway. CNAs were detected in 5/11 cases (45%), with copy gains involving chromosome 12 occurring in 3/11 cases (27%). In conclusion, no recurrent fusions or pathogenic variants have been detected in the present COF cohort, with copy gains involving chromosome 12 occurring in 27% of cases.

Central giant cell granulomas of the jaws stromal cells harbour mutations and have osteogenic differentiation capacity, in vivo and in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Central giant cell granulomas (CGCG) of the jaws are osteolytic lesions that may behave aggressively and respond poorly to surgery. Microscopically, in addition to giant cells, there is a mononuclear cell population composed of macrophage/monocytic cells and spindle-shaped cells of mesenchymal origin. Seventy two percent of these tumours harbour mutually exclusive TRPV4, KRAS and FGFR1 mutations. We aimed to assess the mutational status of mononuclear and giant cells and the osteogenic potential of stromal cells in vitro and in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS: We screened CGCG for signature mutations and used laser-capture microdissection to demonstrate that the mutations are restricted to the mononuclear cells. Additionally, we established CGCG primary cell culture and observed that the cells retained the mutations throughout passages. By flow cytometry, we observed predominance of CD14- CD51- CD61- cells, consistent with the expected profile for stromal cells. Considering the mesenchymal origin of stromal cells, we assessed the osteogenic differentiation potential of CGCG cells in culture by cytochemistry (von Kossa and alizarin red staining), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay and gene expression of osteogenic markers. CGCG cells presented self-capacity to increase ALP levels in a time-dependent manner and under osteogenic induction presented increasing number of calcium deposits, and overall higher expression of osteocalcin, RUNX2, ALPL and osteopontin than cells without osteogenic induction. A patient-derived xenograft model for CGCG was established, and osteoid material deposition was observed. CONCLUSION: Collectively, the results confirm that the signature mutations are restricted to stromal cells in CGCG, and the in vitro and in vivo results support that these cells have the capacity to differentiate into osteoblasts, in line with the bone formation often observed in the stroma of these lesions.

Unveiling metabolic changes in marsupialized odontogenic keratocyst: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess which metabolic pathways would be implicated in the phenotypic changes of the epithelial lining of odontogenic keratocyst after marsupialization, comparing pre- and post-marsupialized lesions with adjacent oral mucosa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues from six subjects were divided into three paired groups: odontogenic keratocyst pre- (n = 6) and post-marsupialization (n = 6), and adjacent oral mucosa (n = 6). The metabolic pathways found in these groups were obtained by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based untargeted metabolomics performed. RESULTS: Through putative metabolite annotation followed by pathway enrichment and predictive analysis with automated algorithms (Mummichog and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis), we found differences in many cellular processes that may be involved in inflammation, oxidative stress response, keratinocyte-basal membrane attachment, differentiation, and proliferation functions, all relevant to odontogenic keratocyst pathobiology and the phenotype acquired after marsupialization. CONCLUSION: Our study was able to identify several metabolic pathways potentially involved in the metaplastic changes induced by marsupialization of odontogenic keratocysts. An improved comprehension of this process could pave the way for the development of targeted therapies.

Deregulation of desmosomal proteins and extracellular matrix proteases in odontogenic keratocyst.

OBJECTIVE: Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a benign lesion that tends to recur after surgical treatment. In an attempt to clarify the molecular basis underlining the OKC pathobiology, we aimed to analyze its proteomic profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared the proteomic profiles of five OKC and matched normal oral mucosa by using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Then, we performed enrichment analysis and a literature search for the immunoexpression of the proteomics targets. RESULTS: We identified 1,150 proteins and 72 differently expressed proteins (log2 fold change ≥ 1.5; p < .05). Twenty-seven peptides were exclusively detected in the OKC samples. We found 35 enriched pathways related to cell differentiation and tissue architecture, including keratinocyte differentiation, keratinization, desmosome, and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and degradation. The immunoexpression information of 11 out of 50 proteins identified in the enriched pathways was obtained. We found the downregulation of four desmosomal proteins (JUP, PKP1, PKP3, and PPL) and upregulation of ECM proteases (MMP-2, MMP-9, and cathepsins). CONCLUSIONS: Proteomic analysis strengthened the notion that OKC cells have a similar proteomic profile to oral keratinocytes. Contextual investigation of the differentially expressed proteins revealed the deregulation of desmosome proteins and ECM degradation as important alterations in OKC pathobiology.

First insights for targeted therapies in odontogenic myxoma.

OBJECTIVE: Odontogenic myxoma (OM) occasionally responds poorly to surgical treatment. The MAPK pathway is constitutively activated in several neoplasms and we aimed to test if the MAPK pathway is activated in OM, in order to pave the way for an alternative therapy for aggressive and recurrent cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The immunoexpression of phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) was assessed in OM. We established a 3D organotypic culture model for the in vitro study and patient-derived xenografts (PDX) in mice for the in vivo study. The MEK inhibitor U0126 was used to inhibit phosphorylation of ERK1/2 in the in vitro and in vivo models. RESULTS: All OM showed strong pERK1/2 immunoexpression, consistent with MAPK pathway activation. Treatment of the 3D culture with U0126 resulted in a reduced pERK1/2/ERK1/2 ratio. Consistent with the in vitro results, all PDX of animals treated with U0126 showed a decreased volume fold change compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS: The MAPK pathway is activated in OM and its inhibition leads to tumor shrinkage in PDX and cell culture models. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Our results offer a pre-clinical frame for OM-targeted therapy. Further work is needed to determine if this initial finding holds clinical promise.

KRAS mutations drive adenomatoid odontogenic tumor and are independent of clinicopathological features.

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor is a benign encapsulated epithelial odontogenic tumor that shows an indolent clinical behavior. We have reported in a few adenomatoid odontogenic tumors mutations in KRAS, which is a proto-oncogene frequently mutated in cancer such as lung, pancreas, and colorectal adenocarcinomas. We aimed to assess KRAS mutations in the hotspot codons 12, 13, and 61 in a large cohort of adenomatoid odontogenic tumors and to test the association of these mutations with clinical (age, site, tumor size, follicular/extrafollicular subtypes) and histopathological parameters. Thirty eight central cases were studied. KRAS codon 12 mutations were assessed by TaqMan allele-specific qPCR (p.G12V/R) and/or Sanger sequencing, and codon 13 and 61 mutations were screened by Sanger. Histological tumor capsule thickness was evaluated by morphometric analysis. Additionally, the phosphorylated form of the MAPK downstream effector ERK1/2 was investigated. Statistical analysis was carried out to test the association of KRAS mutations with clinicopathological parameters. KRAS c.35 G >T mutation, leading to p.G12V, was detected in 15 cases. A novel mutation in adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, c.34 G >C, leading to p.G12R, was detected in 12 cases and the other 11 were wild-type. Codon 12 mutations were not associated with the clinicopathological parameters tested. RAS mutations are known to activate the MAPK pathway, and we show that adenomatoid odontogenic tumors express phosphorylated ERK1/2. In conclusion, a high proportion of adenomatoid odontogenic tumors (27/38, 71%) have KRAS codon 12 mutations, which occur independently of the clinicopathological features evaluated. Collectively, these findings indicate that KRAS mutations and MAPK pathway activation are the common features of this tumor and some cancer types. Although it is unclear why different codon 12 alleles occur in different disease contexts and the complex interactions between tumor genotype and phenotype need clarification, on the basis of our results the presence of KRAS p.G12V/R favors the adenomatoid odontogenic tumor diagnosis in challenging oral neoplasm cases.

Lack of association between denture trauma and loss of heterozygosity confronts the proposed pathologic role of chronic mucosal trauma in oral carcinogenesis.

Chronic mucosal trauma is suggested as an additional etiologic risk factor for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), but there is a lack of experimental-molecular data. If chronic trauma of the oral mucosa is carcinogenic, it should be associated with early genetic alterations seen during typical progression of OSCC, like loss of heterozygosity (LOH). We investigated LOH in the key chromosomal arms 3p, 9p and 17p in inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia associated with removable dental prosthesis and also in normal oral mucosa, by using the polymorphic microsatellite markers D3S1300 at 3p14.2, D9S1748 at 9p21, D17S1289 at 17p12 and D17S974 at 17p13 and capillary electrophoresis. LOH was detected in 2/15 (13%) fibrous hyperplasia samples similarly to other reactive and inflammatory lesions. None of the normal mucosa samples presented LOH. Our experimental-molecular results do not support the hypothesis that trauma associated with dental prosthesis has an important role in oral carcinogenesis.

Bringing benign ectomesenchymal odontogenic tumours to the lab: An in vitro study using an organotypic culture model.

BACKGROUND: Benign neoplasms exhibit most of the cellular phenomena considered hallmarks of cancer, except the capacity to metastasize. Thus, the elucidation of the mechanisms associated with the progression of benign neoplasms may complement and clarify the mechanisms involved in carcinogenesis. Benign odontogenic tumours often result in facial deformities and morbidities, and have complex pathogenesis, mainly due to the diversity of interactions between the odontogenic epithelium and the ectomesenchyme. Primary cell culture of such tumours is not only difficult to be established and maintained, but also tumour cells lose characteristic cellular morphology. Considering gene expression, growth, migration, proliferation and cellular morphology are controlled by cell-cell interactions and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, cell culture in 3D substrates has gained space as a way to overcome some of the limitations of traditional monolayer cell culture systems. METHODS: In this study, fragments obtained from mesenchymal odontogenic tumours were cultured in type I collagen scaffolds. Invasion tests were performed in these models, as well as phenotypic characterization of the cultured tumours. RESULTS: The results obtained for the odontogenic myxoma and the cemento-ossifying fibroma demonstrate a good reproduction of the growth pattern of these tumours under ex vivo conditions. Microscopic evaluation showed maintenance of cell viability in the explants for more than 30 days, without the presence of necrosis. CONCLUSION: This is the first study involving long-term 3D primary cultures of benign odontogenic tumours, which is expected to support complex approaches to cell and molecular biology, and to serve as an experimental model for testing molecular therapies.

The importance of BRAF-V600E mutation to ameloblastoma metabolism.

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma is a locally infiltrative, aggressive epithelial odontogenic neoplasm. BRAF-V600E mutation is frequently found in this tumor and has a pivotal role in its pathogenesis, but the consequences of this alteration need to be addressed. An untargeted metabolomics approach was applied to verify whether metabolic disturbances are related to tumor biology and whether BRAF-V600E mutation contributes to these alterations. METHODS: Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue specimens from thirteen ameloblastoma and six dental follicles were included in this study. BRAF mutational status was determined by competitive allele-specific real-time PCR. Metabolite extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were employed to compare the metabolic profiles of the samples. RESULTS: The abundance of eleven metabolites was significantly higher in ameloblastoma in relation to dental follicles, including amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates, inorganic acids, and organoheterocyclic compounds. The presence of BRAF-V600E mutations in ameloblastoma was related to decreased levels of glycerol in comparison with tumors carrying only wild-type alleles of this gene. No metabolic differences were observed between recurrent and primary manifestations of ameloblastoma. CONCLUSIONS: Ameloblastoma exhibits a distinct metabolic profile from normal odontogenic epithelium. BRAF-V600E may contribute to metabolic alterations in ameloblastoma. Collectively, our findings suggest that metabolic alterations might play a role in tumor pathogenesis.

Absence of BRAFV600E mutation in odontogenic keratocysts.

BACKGROUND: Mutations in the patched 1 (PTCH1) gene are the main genetic alteration reported in sporadic and nevoid basal cell carcinoma-associated odontogenic keratocyst (OKC). Oncogenic mutations, including BRAFV600E, previously considered exclusive of malignant neoplasms have been reported in odontogenic tumors. Recently, a high frequency of BRAFV600E mutation has been reported in OKC. Because of the considerable recurrence rate of OKC, the identification of druggable genetic mutations can be relevant in the management of extensive lesions. METHODS: A set of 28 OKCs was included in this work. Initially, 10 sporadic and eight OKC samples from four NBCCS patients (a pair of lesions from each syndromic patient) were submitted to targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) of 2800 different mutations in 50 oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, including BRAF. Ten extra sporadic OKC samples were included to assess BRAFV600E mutation using TaqMan allele-specific qPCR. RESULTS: The following missense mutations occurred in one case each: ATM p.Ser333Phe, SMO p.Gly416Glu, PIK3CA p.Ser326Phe, FBXW7 p.Ser438Phe, JAK2 p.Ser605Phe, PTEN p.Arg173His, ATM p.Cys353Arg, PTEN p.Ser294Arg, MET p.His1112Tyr. None of the 18 samples showed the BRAFV600E (or any other V600) mutation in the NGS. BRAFV600E mutation was detected by qPCR in one of the 10 OKC. Collectively, our results show BRAFV600E mutation in 1 of 28 OKC cases. CONCLUSION: On the basis of our results, OKCs do not present recurrent hotspot mutations in these 50 genes commonly mutated in cancer. In addition, BRAFV600E does not play a central role in OKC pathogenesis.

MicroRNA profiling reveals dysregulated microRNAs and their target gene regulatory networks in cemento-ossifying fibroma.

BACKGROUND: Cemento-ossifying fibroma (COF) is a benign fibro-osseous neoplasm of uncertain pathogenesis, and its treatment results in morbidity. MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression and may represent therapeutic targets. The purpose of the study was to generate a comprehensive miRNA profile of COF compared to normal bone. Additionally, the most relevant pathways and target genes of differentially expressed miRNA were investigated by in silico analysis. METHODS: Nine COF and ten normal bone samples were included in the study. miRNA profiling was carried out by using TaqMan® OpenArray® Human microRNA panel containing 754 validated human miRNAs. We identified the most relevant miRNAs target genes through the leader gene approach, using STRING and Cytoscape software. Pathways enrichment analysis was performed using DIANA-miRPath. RESULTS: Eleven miRNAs were downregulated (hsa-miR-95-3p, hsa-miR-141-3p, hsa-miR-205-5p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-31-5p, hsa-miR-944, hsa-miR-200b-3p, hsa-miR-135b-5p, hsa-miR-31-3p, hsa-miR-223-5p and hsa-miR-200c-3p), and five were upregulated (hsa-miR-181a-5p, hsa-miR-181c-5p, hsa-miR-149-5p, hsa-miR-138-5p and hsa-miR-199a-3p) in COF compared to normal bone. Eighteen common target genes were predicted, and the leader genes approach identified the following genes involved in human COF: EZH2, XIAP, MET and TGFBR1. According to the biology of bone and COF, the most relevant KEGG pathways revealed by enrichment analysis were proteoglycans in cancer, miRNAs in cancer, pathways in cancer, p53-, PI3K-Akt-, FoxO- and TGF-beta signalling pathways, which were previously found to be differentially regulated in bone neoplasms, odontogenic tumours and osteogenesis. CONCLUSION: miRNA dysregulation occurs in COF, and EZH2, XIAP, MET and TGFBR1 are potential targets for functional analysis validation.

Molecular alterations in odontogenic keratocysts as potential therapeutic targets.

The odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a cystic lesion, lined by uniformly thickened parakeratinized epithelium. Some lesions are large and tend to recur after surgical treatment. The neoplastic nature of OKCs remains a matter of dispute. It is known that some sporadic OKCs harbor PTCH1 mutations, and via the dissection of cyst epithelium, these mutations were demonstrated to occur much more frequently than previously thought. In addition to the classical PTCH1 mutations, Hedgehog pathway disturbance and Bcl-2 protein overexpression, as detected via genome-wide expression analysis of OKCs, have been published. Changes in DNA methylation patterns and alterations in microRNA expression levels have recently been reported in these lesions. We reviewed the molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of OKCs as described over the past few years and explored the molecular alterations that can be therapeutically targeted.

Next-generation sequencing of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes in odontogenic myxomas.

BACKGROUND: Mutations previously considered drivers of malignant neoplasms also occur in benign tumors. From the biological perspective, the study of malignant and benign neoplasms is equally relevant. The study of rare tumors contributes to the understanding of the more common ones, as both could share the same hallmark genetic drivers. The identification of driver mutations in benign tumors is facilitated by the fact that they harbor quiet genomes. Pathogenic mutations have being described in benign epithelial odontogenic tumors, such as ameloblastomas and adenomatoid odontogenic tumors. However, the molecular pathogenesis of odontogenic myxoma (OM), a benign aggressive ectomesenchymal tumor, is still poorly characterized, precluding the development of personalized therapy. Aiming to find druggable genetic mutations, we investigated in OM mutations in 50 genes commonly mutated in cancer. METHODS: We used targeted next-generation sequencing to interrogate over 2,800 COSMIC mutations in OM. RESULTS: Missense single nucleotide variants were detected in KDR, TP53, PIK3CA, KIT, JAK3; however, these did not include pathogenic mutations. CONCLUSION: These aggressive tumors do not harbor pathogenic mutations in genes commonly mutated in human cancers or if they do, these mutations probably occur in a low proportion of cases.

BRAFV600E mutation in the diagnosis of unicystic ameloblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Unicystic ameloblastoma, an odontogenic neoplasm, presents clinical and radiographic similarities with dentigerous and radicular cysts, non-neoplastic lesions. It is not always possible to reach a final diagnosis with the incisional biopsy, leading to inappropriate treatment. The BRAFV600E activating mutation has been reported in a high proportion of ameloblastomas. The purpose of the study was to assess the utility of the detection of the BRAFV600E mutation in the differential diagnosis of unicystic ameloblastoma with dentigerous and radicular cysts. METHODS: Twenty-six archival samples were included, comprising eight unicystic ameloblastomas (UAs), nine dentigerous and nine radicular cysts. The mutation was assessed in all samples by anti-BRAFV600E (clone VE1) immunohistochemistry (IHC) and by TaqMan mutation detection qPCR assay. Sanger sequencing was further carried out when samples showed conflicting results in the IHC and qPCR. RESULTS: Although all UAs (8/8) showed positive uniform BRAFV600E staining along the epithelial lining length, the mutation was not confirmed by qPCR and Sanger sequencing in three samples. Positive staining for the BRAFV600E protein was observed in one dentigerous cyst, but it was not confirmed by the molecular methods. Furthermore, 2/9 dentigerous cysts and 2/9 radicular cysts showed non-specific immunostaining of the epithelium or plasma cells. None of the dentigerous or radicular cysts cases presented the BRAFV600E mutation in the qPCR assay. CONCLUSIONS: The BRAFV600E antibody (clone VE1) IHC may show non-specific staining, but molecular assays may be useful for the diagnosis of unicystic ameloblastoma, in conjunction with clinical, radiological and histopathological features.

Association between cell cycle gene transcription and tumor size in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Higher tumor size correlates with poor prognosis and is an independent predictive survival factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. However, the molecular events underlining OSCC tumor evolution are poorly understood. We aimed to investigate if large OSCC tumors show different cell cycle gene transcriptional signature compared to small tumors. Seventeen fresh OSCC tumor samples with different tumor sizes (T) were included in the study. Tumors were from the tongue or from the floor of the mouth, and only three patients were nonsmokers. Samples were categorized according to clinical tumor size in tumors ≤2 cm (T1, n = 5) or tumors >2 cm (T2, n = 9; T3, n = 2; T4, n = 1). The group of tumors ≤2 cm was considered the reference group, while the larger tumors were considered the test group. We assessed the expression of 84 cell cycle genes by qRT-PCR array and normalized it to the expression of two housekeeping genes. Results were analyzed according to the formula 2(^-DeltaCt). A five-fold change cutoff was used, and p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Ki-67 immunohistochemistry was performed to estimate cell proliferation index. Twenty-nine genes were downregulated in the test group (larger tumors) compared to the reference group (smaller tumors). Among these genes, 13 reached statistical significance: ANAPC4, CUL1, SUMO1, KPNA2, MAD2L2, CCNG2, E2F4, NBN, CUL2, PCNA, TFDP1, KNTC1, and ATR. Ki-67 labeling index was similar in both tumor groups. Our findings suggest that the transcriptional activity of specific cell cycle genes varies according to the size of OSCC tumor, which probably reflects tumor molecular evolution and adaptation to the microenvironment.

Assessment of BRAFV600E and SMOF412E mutations in epithelial odontogenic tumours.

The classification of ameloblastoma in multicystic or unicystic variants is associated with its clinical behaviour. Recently, BRAF and SMO mutations have been reported in ameloblastomas. However, it is not clear if such mutations are shared by the multi- and unicystic variants of ameloblastoma or by odontogenic carcinomas. We assessed BRAFV600E and SMOF412E in multicystic, unicystic and desmoplastic ameloblastomas. In addition, we investigated whether the BRAFV600E mutation occurs in odontogenic carcinomas. A total of 28 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples, comprising 17 ameloblastomas and 11 odontogenic carcinomas, were included. The BRAFV600E mutation was assessed by real-time PCR with a specific TaqMan probe and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. The SMOF412E mutation was assessed by Sanger sequencing. Fourteen out of 17 (82 %) ameloblastomas showed the BRAFV600E mutation, specifically, 5/6 (83 %) unicystic, 7/9 (78 %) multicystic and 2/2 desmoplastic ameloblastomas. BRAFV600E mutation was detected in 4/11 (36 %) malignant tumours, specifically, 3/8 (38 %) ameloblastic carcinomas and 1/1 clear cell odontogenic carcinoma, while the two ghost cell odontogenic carcinomas did not harbour this mutation. The SMOF412E mutation was not detected in ameloblastoma. The BRAFV600E-activating mutation is a common event in ameloblastomas, occurring regardless of site or histological type. This mutation is also detected in odontogenic carcinomas. SMO somatic mutation is a secondary genetic event in the ameloblastoma pathogenesis. Our findings support the possibility for personalised, molecular-targeted therapy for ameloblastomas and odontogenic carcinomas harbouring the BRAFV600E mutation.

Adjunctive therapies for in vitro carious lesions: Antimicrobial activity, activation of dentin metalloproteinases and effects on dental pulp cells.

BACKGROUND: Adjunctive therapies used before dental restorative procedures may encourage carious tissue removal. Beyond promising antimicrobial properties, treatments could positively modulate the dentin-pulp complex while not interfering with restoration survival. Herein, we evaluated a set of substances and their effects on carious lesions and the underlying dentin or pulp cells. METHODS: Artificial caries lesions were developed in bovine teeth cavities immersed in Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei co-cultures. The cavities were treated according to the following groups: Phosphate Buffer Saline (PBS), Chlorhexidine (CHX), Papacárie® (Papain gel), Ozone (O3), and antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy (aPDT). After treatments, samples were cultivated to count isolated microbial colonies. The zymography assay evaluated the activity of dentin metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9). Cell viability was indirectly assessed on human dental pulp cells after 24, 72, or 120 h, whereas the odontodifferentiation potential was evaluated after ten days of cell culture. RESULTS: CHX and aPDT led to around 1 log bacterial load reduction. PBS, CHX, and aPDT showed the eventual expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9. Cell viability was reduced (< 30%) after 120 h for all groups compared to the control. CHX, O3, and aPDT induced greater odontodifferentiation (≈ 20% higher) than PBS and papain gel. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive therapies presented little or no biological significance in reducing bacterial load in artificial carious lesions. Although the activation of endogenous metalloproteinases may represent a possible concern for adhesive restorations, some of these treatments may have a positive role in dental pulp tissue repair.

Evidence of loss of heterozygosity of the PTCH gene in orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst.

The orthokeratinized odontogenic cyst (OOC) is an odontogenic cyst of unknown etiology. Clinical, histological, and biological differences are reported between keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KOT) and OOC. PTCH is a tumor suppressor gene related to sonic hedgehog (SHH) pathway important in embryological development. Considering that alterations in this pathway have been described in sporadic and nevoid basal cell syndrome-associated KOT, we tested the hypothesis that OOC is also associated with loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the PTCH gene. Seven samples of OOC and seven of KOT were included in the study. D9S287, D9S196, and D9S127 microsatellite markers located in the region of PTCH gene, at chromosome 9q, were investigated for LOH. There was loss in at least one locus in 5/7 KOT and in 4/7 OOC samples. The present finding demonstrates that, despite the existence of clinical, morphological, immunohistochemical, and biological behavior differences between OOC and KOT, both harbor similar genetic alterations at 9q.

Review article: Current concepts of ameloblastoma pathogenesis.

Ameloblastoma is a locally destructive and invasive tumour that can recur despite adequate surgical removal. Molecular studies have offered interesting findings regarding ameloblastoma pathogenesis. In the present review, the following topics are discussed regarding its molecular nature: clonality, cell cycle proliferation, apoptosis, tumour suppressor genes, ameloblastin and other enamel matrix proteins, osteoclastic mechanism and matrix metalloproteinases and other signalling molecules. It is clear from the literature reviewed that translational studies are necessary to identify prognostic markers of ameloblastoma behaviour and to establish new diagnostic tools to the differential diagnosis of unicystic from multicystic ameloblastoma. Finally, molecular biology studies are also important to develop more effective alternative approaches to the treatment of this aggressive odontogenic tumour.

Assessing pathogenic mutations in dental follicles as an attempt to identify early events in odontogenic tumours tumourigenesis.

OBJECTIVE: Driver oncogenic mutations have been reported in several benign neoplasms. While ameloblastomas show BRAF p.V600E mutations, adenomatoid odontogenic tumours harbour either KRAS p.G12R or p.G12 V. The lack of understanding of the core molecular changes involved in tumour initiation and progression represents a critical barrier to developing new strategies for cancer detection and prevention. Considering the fact that ameloblastoma and adenomatoid odontogenic tumours can originate from dental follicles, we hypothesized that the BRAF and KRAS mutations might be early events in odontogenic tumours tumourigenesis. We aimed to assess BRAF and KRAS mutations in dental follicles associated with asymptomatic impacted teeth. DESIGN: Forty-eight dental follicles containing odontogenic epithelial remnants were included in the study. As ameloblastomas most often occur in the posterior mandible and adenomatoid odontogenic tumours have a predilection for the anterior jaws, we assessed by allele-specific qPCR the presence of BRAF p.V600E in 32 dental follicles associated with impacted 3rd mandibular molar teeth and KRAS p.G12 V and KRAS p.G12R mutations in 16 dental follicle specimens obtained from around impacted anterior teeth. Sanger sequencing was used as an additional method. RESULTS: None of the dental follicle cases tested positive for the mutations. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we tried to detect the early genetic events associated with odontogenic tumours development in dental follicles, but we were unable to showcase that BRAF p.V600E and KRAS p.G12R or p.G12 V mutations are the early genetic events associated with odontogenic tumours development.