Biomarkers involved in the proliferation of the odontogenic keratocyst, glandular odontogenic cyst and botryoid odontogenic cyst

Introduction Odontogenic cysts are a heterogeneous group of lesions with varied clinical behavior. Objective To analyze the expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Cyclin D1, and transcription factor SOX2 in the odontogenic epithelium evaluating the cell cycle control and cystic expansion. Methods This was a cross-sectional study including 40 cases, 20 odontogenic keratocysts (OKC), 10 botryoid odontogenic cysts (BOC), and 10 glandular odontogenic cysts (GOC). Results All cases of OKC, BOC, and GOC were positive for EGFR in all layers of the cyst lining. The highest expression of nuclear Cyclin D1 was observed in the suprabasal layer of OKCs and in the basal and suprabasal layers of GOC and BOC (p < 0.001). In addition, SOX2 was only expressed in the suprabasal layer of OKCs. Conclusion The high expression of EGFR in the cyst membrane suggests that EGF stimulates epithelial proliferation in BOCs, and the high expression of SOX2 in OKCs may be related to the presence of stem cells in the lesion. Cyclin D1 is related to cell cycle disruption in G1-S contributing to stimulates epithelial proliferation of OKCs and GOCs and BOCs.

Automated summary

This study analyzed the expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Cyclin D1, and transcription factor SOX2 in odontogenic cysts. The results showed that the cyst lining in all cases of odontogenic keratocysts (OKC), botryoid odontogenic cysts (BOC), and glandular odontogenic cysts (GOC) were positive for EGFR. The highest expression of nuclear Cyclin D1 was observed in the suprabasal layer of OKCs and in the basal and suprabasal layers of GOC and BOC. SOX2 was only expressed in the suprabasal layer of OKCs.