Notch4 overexpression in ameloblastoma correlates with the solid/multicystic phenotype.

Objective: Notch signaling has been implicated in cell fate decisions during odontogenesis and tumorigenesis of some odontogenic neoplasms; however, its role in solid/multicystic (SA), unicystic (UA), and recurrent (RA) ameloblastoma remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine Notch receptor and ligand expressions in these subtypes and to speculate on their significance.

Methods: Notch receptors (Notch1, 2, 3, 4) and ligands (Jagged1, 2, and Delta1) were examined immunohistochemically in SA (n = 23), UA (n = 22), and RA (n = 19).

Effect of CaTiO(3)-CaCO(3) prepared by alkoxide method on cell response.

In recent years, calcium titanate (CaTiO(3)) and carbon-containing materials have gained much attention in a number of biomedical material researches. To maximize the advantages of both materials, we developed a novel alkoxide method to get "calcium titanate with calcium carbonate" (CaTiO(3)-CaCO(3)). The objective was to evaluate the crystallinity and elemental composition of CaTiO(3)-CaCO(3) prepared by alkoxide method, CaTiO(3)-aC elaborated by modified thermal decomposition method, commercially-prepared CaTiO(3), and the effect of these materials on the bone marrow stromal cell.

The inhibitor of growth (ING) gene family: potential role in cancer therapy.

The discovery of ING1 gene paved the way to the identification of other ING members (ING2-5) and their isoforms associated with cell cycle, apoptosis and senescence. The ING family has been an emerging putative tumor suppressor gene (TSG) in which the major mechanism is through interaction with the determinants of chromatin function and gene-specific transcription factors. The regulatory mechanism highly involves the conserved plant homeodomain (PHD), which binds to histones in a methylation-sensitive manner, suggesting that ING proteins may contribute to the maintenance of the epigenetic code.

Loss of heterozygosity at chromosome 14q is associated with poor prognosis in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Purpose And Methods: Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) in a chromosomal location indicates the presence of an inactivated tumor suppressor gene (TSG). Inactivation of TSG has a functional role in the tumorigenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Based on the recent evidences of a putative TSG on chromosome 14, we examined LOH on chromosome 14q using eight polymorphic microsatellite markers in 50 cases of HNSCCs.

Involvement of EphA2 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: mRNA expression, loss of heterozygosity and immunohistochemical studies.

EphA2 is a 130-kDa transmembrane protein primarily found in adult human epithelial cells and is a member of one of the largest receptor tyrosine kinases. It is located on 1p36.1, a genetic hot spot in cancer.

Heparanase and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in the progression of oral mucosal melanoma.

Oral mucosal melanoma is an aggressive neoplasm with poor prognosis. Heparanase is an endo-beta-d-glucuronidase, which cleaves heparan sulphate chains. The vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the most potent angiogenic mitogen and interaction with its receptor (VEGFR) has been associated with angiogenesis.

C-kit protein expression correlated with activating mutations in KIT gene in oral mucosal melanoma.

C-kit is a trans-membrane receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) encoded by the proto-oncogene KIT located at 4q11-12. Gain-of-function mutations arising to c-kit activation independent of its ligand were observed in various tumors related to germ cells, mast cells, and interstitial cells of Cajal. C-kit also participates in melanocyte development; hence, its involvement in oral mucosal melanoma (OMM) tumorigenesis was investigated.

Analysis of the neoplastic nature and biological potential of sporadic and nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome-associated keratocystic odontogenic tumor.

Background: Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT), also known as odontogenic keratocyst, is a benign cystic neoplasm, which may be associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS) and if it does, will occur as multiple cystic lesions. KCOT is locally destructive despite its bland histological features. However, the neoplastic nature of KCOT is not well established.

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma with mandibular bone marrow involvement: a case report with immunohistochemistry.

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma is a rare, locally aggressive cutaneous neoplasm with a high probability of persistence locally but a low probability of metastasis. We report a case of a 69-year-old female patient with an indurated plaque at the mental region. Histologically, the tumor cells invaded the subcutaneous tissue and mandibular bone.

An immunohistochemical evaluation of BMP-2, -4, osteopontin, osteocalcin and PCNA between ossifying fibromas of the jaws and peripheral cemento-ossifying fibromas on the gingiva.

The present study examined histological difference between ossifying fibromas (OF, n=5) and peripheral cemento-ossifying fibromas (PCOF, n=7). Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP)-2 and -4, osteopontin (OPN), osteocalcin (OCN) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were used for the immunohistochemical examinations. Oxytalan fibers present at the periodontal tissue were stained to determine the tumor cell origin.

Effects of immobilized recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2/succinylated type I atelocollagen on cellular activity of ST2 cells.

The use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) to induce ectopic bone formation requires a carrier. Type I atelocollagen, a biomaterial with a porous structure, excellent operational features, and biocompatibility, is an effective carrier for rhBMP-2. However, the conventionally used lyophilized rhBMP-2/collagen mixture does not necessarily give adequate bone-induction effect.