Knockdown of Dkk-3 decreases cancer cell migration and invasion independently of the Wnt pathways in oral squamous cell carcinoma‑derived cells.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is thought to arise as the result of cumulative genetic or epigenetic alterations in cancer-associated genes. We focused on the Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3) gene as a candidate tumor suppressor in OSCC. Dkk-3 is a potential tumor suppressor, and its downregulation has been reported in various types of malignancies.

The role of bone marrow-derived cells during the bone healing process in the GFP mouse bone marrow transplantation model.

Bone healing is a complex and multistep process in which the origin of the cells participating in bone repair is still unknown. The involvement of bone marrow-derived cells in tissue repair has been the subject of recent studies. In the present study, bone marrow-derived cells in bone healing were traced using the GFP bone marrow transplantation model.

Localization and characterization of lymphatic vessels in oral and cervical squamous cell carcinoma.

Lymph node metastasis is considered a factor in determining the prognosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Both oral and cervical SCC tumor cells prefer lymph vessels as the route of metastasis. D2-40 is a specific marker of lymphatic endothelial cells.

Differential expression of canonical and non-canonical Wnt ligands in ameloblastoma.

Background: Canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways modulate diverse cellular processes during embryogenesis and post-natally. Their deregulations have been implicated in cancer development and progression. Wnt signaling is essential for odontogenesis.

Dickkopf (Dkk)-3 and β-catenin expressions increased in the transition from normal oral mucosal to oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Dickkopf (Dkk)-3, an inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, is reported as a potential tumor suppressor gene in many cancers. To gain a better comprehension of the mechanisms involved in the carcinogenesis of oral squamous epithelium, protein expression and localization of Dkk-3 and β-catenin was investigated in normal epithelium, dysplasias and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). An increase in β-catenin and Ki-67 expressions was observed from dysplasias to poorly differentiated SCC.

NRAS and BRAF mutation frequency in primary oral mucosal melanoma.

Oral mucosal melanoma (OMM) is a fatal sarcoma of unknown etiology. Histological morphology and genetic events are distinct from those of its cutaneous counterpart. Mutation and up-regulation of c-kit has been identified in OMM which may activate downstream molecules such as RAS and RAF.