Rare copy number alterations and copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity revealed in ameloblastomas by high-density whole-genome microarray analysis.

Background: Ameloblastoma (unicystic, UA, or multicystic, MA) is a rare tumor associated with bone destruction and facial deformity. Its malignant counterpart is the ameloblastic carcinoma (AC). The BRAFV600E mutation is highly prevalent in all these tumors subtypes and cannot account for their different clinical behaviors.

Cell phone use and parotid salivary gland alterations: no molecular evidence.

Background: The association between cell phone use and the development of parotid tumors is controversial. Because there is unequivocal evidence that the microenvironment is important for tumor formation, we investigated in the parotid glands whether cell phone use alters the expression of gene products related to cellular stress.

Methods: We used the saliva produced by the parotid glands of 62 individuals to assess molecular alterations compatible with cellular stress, comparing the saliva from the gland exposed to cell phone radiation (ipsilateral) to the saliva from the opposite, unexposed parotid gland (contralateral) of each individual.

Assessment of TP53 mutations in benign and malignant salivary gland neoplasms.

Despite advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of salivary gland neoplasms (SGN), the molecular pathways associated with enhanced tumor growth and cell survival remain to be established. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether TP53 mutations are relevant to SGN pathogenesis and if they impact on p53 protein expression. The study included 18 benign and 18 malignant SGN samples.

Quantitative expression analysis of apoptotic/antiapoptotic genes and association with immunolocalization of BAX and BCL-2 in peripheral and central giant cell lesions of the jaws.

Central giant cell lesion (CGCL) and peripheral giant cell lesion (PGCL) of the jaws are characterized by multinucleated osteoclast-like giant cells in a background of mononuclear cells. While mononuclear cells retain proliferative activity in both lesions, giant cells are Ki-67 negative. This observation raised the theory that giant cells are formed by cytoplasmic fusion of mononuclear cells, and also that these lesions are of reactive nature.

Increased expression of NFATc1 in giant cell lesions of the jaws, cherubism and brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism.

A variety of diseases of the jaws may present multinucleated giant cells. These diseases include central giant cell lesions (CGCL), peripheral giant cell lesions (PGCL), brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism (BTH), and cherubism. The multinucleated giant cells in these lesions are osteoclast-like.

Molecular review of odontogenic myxoma.

Odontogenic myxoma (OM) is a benign odontogenic neoplasm that tends to recur due to bone infiltration. This review focuses on the molecular aspects of the OM. The following topics are discussed: clonal nature, matrix metalloproteinases, apoptosis and cell proliferation, genetic alterations, and other markers.

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.