Amelogenin is a Potential Biomarker for the Aggressiveness in Odontogenic Tumors

Abstract

Amelogenin (AMEL), the major structural protein of the enamel organic matrix, constitutes more than 90% of the<br />enamel's protein content, Aberrations of amelogenin are thought to be involved in the oncogenesis of odontogenic<br />epithelium. The expression of amelogenin is possibly an indicator of differentiation of epithelial cells in the odontogenic<br />tumors. Aim of the study: Investigating the expression of amelogenin in some odontogenic tumors, using an<br />anti-amelogenin polyclonal antibody, and then compare it with AMEL expression in tooth buds as control. Materials<br />and Methods: study sample consisted of 10 formalin-fixed, paraffin- embedded specimens of ameloblastoma,<br />10 Keratocystic odontogenic tumors, and 10 tooth buds were conventionally stained with hematoxylin-eosin and<br />immunohistochemically with AMEL polyclonal antibody. Results: All of the odontogenic tumors expressed AMEL<br />in the epithelial component, Intensity of expression in ameloblastoma and Keratocystic odontogenic tumor was lower,<br />compared with tooth buds, Statistical analysis indicated a significant differences between the tumors and tooth buds.<br />Conclusion: Amelogenin can be used as a marker for odontogenic epithelium, and the expression of amelogenin is<br />possibly an indicator of epithelial cells differentiation in the odontogenic tumors, and therefore in prediction of the<br />histological behavior of odontogenic tumors.