DNA methylation polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array of apoptosis-related genes in pleomorphic adenomas of the salivary glands.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the DNA methylation profile in 22 apoptosis-related genes in pleomorphic adenomas (PAs) of the salivary glands, in comparison with normal salivary glands (NSGs), and to address the differences in methylation patterns between smaller and larger tumors. Additionally, we investigated if the hypermethylation of differentially methylated genes between NSGs and PAs impacted the messenger RNA (mRNA) transcription.

Design: Twenty-three fresh PA samples and 12 NSG samples were included.

DNA Methylation of MMP9 Is Associated with High Levels of MMP-9 Messenger RNA in Periapical Inflammatory Lesions.

Introduction: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are the major class of enzymes responsible for degradation of extracellular matrix components and participate in the pathogenesis of periapical inflammatory lesions. MMP expression may be regulated by DNA methylation. The purpose of the present investigation was to analyze the expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in periapical granulomas and radicular cysts and to test the hypothesis that, in these lesions, their transcription may be modulated by DNA methylation.

FOXP3 DNA methylation levels as a potential biomarker in the development of periapical lesions.

Introduction: Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, can modify gene expression patterns without changing the DNA sequence, comprising a tool that cells use to lock genes in the "off" position. Variations in the methylation profile have been correlated to a variety of human diseases. Here, we hypothesize that DNA methylation in immune response-related genes may contribute to the development of periapical lesions.

Relationship between microRNA expression levels and histopathological features of dysplasia in oral leukoplakia.

Background: Increased expression of microRNAs (miRNAs), miR-21, miR-345, and miR-181b has been demonstrated in oral leukoplakia (OL) that progresses to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), suggesting a miRNA signature with potential prognostic value. On the basis of these findings, this pilot study aimed to investigate the cytological and histopathological features that are used to grade oral dysplasia and determine associations with the expression of these 3 potentially cancer-related miRNAs. We also compared the expression levels of these miRNAs in OL with normal oral mucosa and OSCC.

Methylation pattern of IFNG in periapical granulomas and radicular cysts.

Introduction: Interferon-γ plays an important role in the pathogenesis of periapical lesions, and the methylation of IFNG has been associated with transcriptional inactivation. The purpose of the present study was to investigate IFNG promoter methylation in association with gene transcription and protein levels in periapical granulomas and radicular cysts.

Methods: Methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction was used to assess the DNA methylation pattern of the IFNG gene in 16 periapical granulomas and 13 radicular cyst samples.

Assessing the contribution of HRPT2 to the pathogenesis of jaw fibrous dysplasia, ossifying fibroma, and osteosarcoma.

Objective: To investigate HRPT2 in jaw ossifying fibroma (OF), fibrous dysplasia (FD), and osteosarcoma (OS).

Study Design: We combined microsatellite loss of heterozygosity (LOH), HRPT2 sequence alterations at the mRNA level by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cDNA sequencing, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) in a total of 19 OF, 15 FD, and 9 OS. Because HRPT2 (parafibromin) interacts with cyclin D1, we investigated cyclin D1 expression with the use of qPCR and IHC.