Gene expression and immunohistochemistry analysis of ADAMTS-1 and its substrates in odontogenic keratocyst.

Background: Considering the significant participation of the microenvironment in the local aggressiveness of odontogenic keratocysts, this study aims to evaluate the expression of ADAMTS-1 and its substrates, versican, aggrecan and brevican in this locally invasive odontogenic cyst.

Methods: Immunohistochemistry and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were conducted on 30 cases of odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) and 20 dental follicles (DFs).

Results: The immunohistochemical expression of these proteins was predominantly cytoplasmic and granular across all samples. In epithelial tissue, the immunoexpression of aggrecan and versican was higher in OKC (p < 0.05) compared to DF. Comparing the expression of proteins between the OKC epithelium and the cystic capsule, it was observed that all molecules were more expressed in the epithelium (p < 0.001). RT-PCR confirmed the expression of ADAMTS-1 and proteoglycans in all samples.

Conclusion: ADAMTS-1, aggrecan, brevican, and versican were expressed in all samples with a granular and cytoplasmic pattern. RT-PCR confirmed their presence in both OKC and DF, but only aggrecan and versican exhibited significantly higher levels in OKC (p < 0.05). Protein expression was notably greater in the epithelial component of OKC. These findings underscore the potential role of these proteins in the biological behavior of OKC.