Expression of molecules related to AKT pathway as putative regulators of ameloblastoma local invasiveness.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic neoplasm with local invasiveness and high recurrence. We previously suggested that growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and TIMPs influence ameloblastoma invasiveness (Pathol. Res. Pract., 208, 2012, 225; Oral. Surg. Oral. Med. Oral. Pathol. Oral Radiol. Endod., 111, 2011, 474). Signals generated by this molecular network would be transduced by ERK 1/2 pathway (Oral. Surg. Oral. Med. Oral. Pathol. Oral Radiol. Endod., 111, 2011, 474). Others signaling pathways may influence ameloblastoma biology. Here, we studied expression of AKT and related molecules in ameloblastoma.

METHODS:

Fourteen cases of solid/multicystic ameloblastomas were examined. Immunohistochemistry was carried out to detected AKT (phospho-AKT), NF-қB (phospho-NF-қB), β-catenin, cyclin-D1, and COX-2 in ameloblastoma samples. These molecules were evaluated in neoplastic cells and stroma.

RESULTS:

All proteins were detected in ameloblastoma. Expression of these markers was quantified and compared. Spearman's rank test was carried out to address positive correlations between proteins (P < 0.05). Ameloblastoma had a significant positive correlation of AKT (phospho-AKT) with β-catenin. β-catenin correlated with Cyclin-D1 and COX-2 in neoplastic cells. AKT (phospho-AKT) correlated with β-catenin; β-catenin with Cyclin-D1; AKT (phospho-AKT) with NF-қB (phospho-NF-қB); and NF-қB (phospho-NF-қB) with COX-2 in stromal cells.

CONCLUSIONS:

Results suggest that proteins studied are present and probably involved in a functional pathway in neoplastic cells and stroma and may therefore influence the local invasiveness of ameloblastoma.

• Authors: Rodolpho L Cecim, Hicso A F Carmo, Maria S S Kataoka, Vanessa M Freitas, Sérgio de Melo Alves Júnior, Erick N Pedreira, Ruy G Jaeger, Joao J V Pinheiro
• Journal: Journal of oral pathology & medicine : official publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology (J Oral Pathol Med) Vol. 43 Issue 2 Pg. 143-7 (Feb 2014) ISSN: 1600-0714 [Electronic] Denmark
• PMID: 23837696 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article)
• Copyright: © 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Chemical References

• CCND1 protein, human
• NF-kappa B
• beta Catenin
• Cyclin D1
• Cyclooxygenase 2
• PTGS2 protein, human
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt

Topics

• Ameloblastoma (pathology)
• Cell Nucleus (pathology)
• Cyclin D1 (analysis)
• Cyclooxygenase 2 (analysis)
• Cytoplasm (pathology)
• Humans
• Immunohistochemistry
• NF-kappa B (analysis)
• Neoplasm Invasiveness
• Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt (analysis)
• Signal Transduction (physiology)
• Stromal Cells (pathology)
• beta Catenin (analysis)