Arl4c is involved in tooth germ development through osteoblastic/ameloblastic differentiation.

Murine tooth germ development proceeds in continuous sequential steps with reciprocal interactions between the odontogenic epithelium and the adjacent mesenchyme, and several growth factor signaling pathways and their activation are required for tooth germ development. The expression of ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf)-like 4c (Arl4c) has been shown to induce cell proliferation, and is thereby involved in epithelial morphogenesis and tumorigenesis. In contrast, the other functions of Arl4c (in addition to cellular growth) are largely unknown. Although we recently demonstrated the involvement of the upregulated expression of Arl4c in the proliferation of ameloblastomas, which have the same origin as odontogenic epithelium, its effect on tooth germ development remains unclear. In the present study, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis revealed that the expression of Arl4c, among 17 members of the Arf-family, was specifically detected in odontogenic epithelial cells, such as those of the stratum intermedium, stellate reticulum and outer enamel epithelium, of postnatal day 1 (P1) mouse molars. scRNA-seq analysis also demonstrated the higher expression of Arl4c in non-ameloblast and inner enamel epithelium, which include immature cells, of P7 mouse incisors. In the mouse tooth germ rudiment culture, treatment with SecinH3 (an inhibitor of the ARNO/Arf6 pathway) reduced the size, width and cusp height of the tooth germ and the thickness of the eosinophilic layer, which would involve the synthesis of dentin and enamel matrix organization. In addition, loss-of-function experiments using siRNAs and shRNA revealed that the expression of Arl4c was involved in cell proliferation and osteoblastic cytodifferentiation in odontogenic epithelial cells. Finally, RNA-seq analysis with a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and Gene Ontology (GO) analysis showed that osteoblastic differentiation-related gene sets and/or GO terms were downregulated in shArl4c-expressing odontogenic epithelial cells. These results suggest that the Arl4c-ARNO/Arf6 pathway axis contributes to tooth germ development through osteoblastic/ameloblastic differentiation.

Wnt signaling promotes tooth germ development through YAP1-TGF-ß signaling.

Tooth germ development involves continuous and sequential steps with reciprocal interactions between odontogenic epithelium and the adjacent mesenchyme. Several growth factors, including Wnt, are essential for tooth germ development. Molecular mechanisms underlying Wnt/ß-catenin-regulated tooth germ development are poorly understood. In tooth germ rudiments culture, we recently demonstrated that Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A), an axonal guidance factor, stimulation reversed Wnt/ß-catenin signaling-dependent decreased cell proliferation but did not completely rescue the morphological anomalies of tooth germ, suggesting that an uncharacterized signaling pathway may be essential in Wnt/ß-catenin signaling-dependent tooth germ development. Herein, an enrichment analysis using DNA microarray data, which was obtained in our previous research, revealed that Wnt/ß-catenin signaling negatively regulates YAP1 and/or TGF-ß signalings. In odontogenic epithelial cells and tooth germ rudiments, Wnt/ß-catenin signaling activation reduced YAP1 expression, thereby suppressing YAP1 and TGF-ß signalings sequentially. Additionally, YAP1 signaling induced TGF-ß2 expression to promote TGF-ß signaling in the cells. Finally, Wnt/ß-catenin signaling-dependent disorganized tooth germ development, in which YAP1 signaling was suppressed, was reversed by TGF-ß stimulation. These results suggest that Wnt/ß-catenin signaling contributes to the tooth germ development through YAP1-TGF-ß signaling.

Clear Cell Odontogenic Carcinoma: A Series of Three Cases.

BACKGROUND: Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC) is a rare malignant odontogenic epithelial neoplasm of the jaws. It is composed of irregular nests of clear to faintly eosinophilic cells resembling clear cell rests of primitive dental lamina and an intermixed hyalinized fibrous stroma. Most cases occur in the 5th and 6th decades of life, with a female predominance. The mandible is affected more than the maxilla. Clinical features vary from asymptomatic to non-specific pain, ill-defined radiolucency, root resorption, and sometimes soft tissue extension. Histology varies from bland to high grade. CCOC demonstrated a significant tendency to recur. Metastasis typically involves regional lymph nodes, which haves been reported in 20-25% of cases. Pulmonary metastasis rarely occurs. Differential diagnoses are broad and include odontogenic, salivary, melanocytic, and metastatic neoplasia. CCOCs are positive for cytokeratins, mainly AE1/AE3 and CK19. Most cases show EWSR1 rearrangement and rarely, the BRAFV600E mutation. DESIGN: Patient charts were reviewed at our institution. A total of three cases were found in electronic medical records, which were diagnosed as clear cell odontogenic carcinoma over a period of six years (2014-2019). Patient charts were reviewed for medical history and radiology data. The pathology slides were reviewed by one or more faculty members. RESULTS: We present three cases of CCOC, ranging in age from 40 to 69 years (two women and one man). Two cases involved the maxilla and one involved the mandible. Two presented with painful swelling and one with mass recurrence. Radiography results show that two had poorly defined radiolucent lesions, and one was heterogeneous with a small nodule projecting into the maxillary sinus. Histological examination revealed an epithelial neoplasm composed of irregular sheets, cords, and nests of polygonal cells with central hyperchromatic, mildly pleomorphic nuclei surrounded by clear to pale eosinophilic cytoplasm, with occasional mitotic figures. The tumor had infiltrated the bone and soft tissues. Two cases were immunopositive for CK5/6 and one case was positive for p63 and CK19. Interestingly, the eosinophilic dentinoid matrix interspersed among tumor cells in one case was consistent with its odontogenic origin. Histochemical staining showed PAS-positive and diastase-labile intracytoplasmic material consistent with glycogen. CONCLUSION: Our study highlights the potential diagnostic significance of dentinoid (although reportedly seen in only 7% of cases), along with CK5/6 immunopositivity, in supporting the histologic diagnosis of CCOC among a variety of neoplasia in its differential diagnosis.

Central Odontogenic Fibroma with Giant Cell Granuloma-Like Lesion: A Report of an Additional Case and Review of Literature.

Central odontogenic fibroma is a rare benign odontogenic tumor that relies on clinical-radiographic-histological correlation to reach its diagnosis, especially its rare variants. Of these rare types is the coexistence of giant cell granuloma-like lesion, with the characteristic odontogenic epithelial rests. The presented case is a 33 years old female complaining of asymptomatic mandibular bony swelling. Radiographically, the lesion is unilocular radiolucent, without root resorption. Histological examination revealed the presence of multinucleated giant cells within the diagnosed central odontogenic fibroma. Immunohistochemical staining highlighted the presence of both components.

Development of tooth regenerative medicine strategies by controlling the number of teeth using targeted molecular therapy.

Analysis of various genetically modified mice, with supernumerary teeth, has revealed the following two intrinsic molecular mechanisms that increase the number of teeth. One plausible explanation for supernumerary tooth formation is the rescue of tooth rudiments. Topical application of candidate molecules could lead to whole tooth formation under suitable conditions. Congenital tooth agenesis is caused by the cessation of tooth development due to the deletion of the causative gene and suppression of its function. The arrest of tooth development in Runx2 knockout mice, a mouse model of congenital tooth agenesis, is rescued in double knockout mice of Runx2 and Usag-1. The Usag-1 knockout mouse is a supernumerary model mouse. Targeted molecular therapy could be used to generate teeth in patients with congenital tooth agenesis by stimulating arrested tooth germs. The third dentition begins to develop when the second successional lamina is formed from the developing permanent tooth in humans and usually regresses apoptotically. Targeted molecular therapy, therefore, seems to be a suitable approach in whole-tooth regeneration by the stimulation of the third dentition. A second mechanism of supernumerary teeth formation involves the contribution of odontogenic epithelial stem cells in adults. Cebpb has been shown to be involved in maintaining the stemness of odontogenic epithelial stem cells and suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Odontogenic epithelial stem cells are differentiated from one of the tissue stem cells, enamel epithelial stem cells, and odontogenic mesenchymal cells are formed from odontogenic epithelial cells by epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Both odontogenic epithelial cells and odontogenic mesenchymal cells required to form teeth from enamel epithelial stem cells were directly induced to form excess teeth in adults. An approach for the development of targeted therapeutics has been the local application of monoclonal neutralizing antibody/siRNA with cationic gelatin for USAG-1 or small molecule for Cebpb.

Logic and clinical significance of the new WHO classification of ameloblastoma in 2017 / 口腔疾病防治

@#A substantial revision of the classification of ameloblastoma was made by the World Health Organization (WHO) in the fourth edition of the Classification of Head and Neck Tumors in 2017, which was based on the review and summary of much clinical research data and prospective evaluation of the latest results of genetic research. The new classification is simpler and more practical. It retains two subtypes, the unicystic type and extraosseous/peripheral type, classifies the remaining types as ameloblastoma (classic), defines metastatic ameloblastoma as a benign tumor and simplifies the classification of ameloblastic carcinoma, which has important guiding significance for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Moreover, the new classification included the latest advances in the genetic research on ameloblastoma, demonstrating that the BRAF gene mutation was found in approximately 60% of ameloblastoma cases. The classification provides a new concept and direction for studying the pathogenesis of ameloblastoma, and BRAF-targeted therapy may be an emerging therapy for some ameloblastoma patients with multiple recurrence or surgical contraindications. This article analyzes the intrinsic logic of these changes via a review of the relevant literature and combination of clinical experiences to better understand the new classification. In 2017, the WHO′s new classification of ameloblastoma summarized the experience and achievements in histopathology and clinical treatment of ameloblastoma in the prior 10 years, indicating that BRAF-targeted treatment may bring new treatment options and hope for patients with recurrent or inoperable ameloblastoma.

Diagnosis and Treatment of an Odontogenic Epithelial Tumor in a Dog With Features of Squamous Odontogenic Tumor.

A 9-year-old standard poodle presented for a comprehensive oral health assessment and treatment, at which time a left rostral mandibular swelling was recognized. The mass was biopsied and eventually excised by a left rostral mandibulectomy en bloc resection. Histopathology supported the diagnosis of a benign, intraosseous, epithelial tumor that was otherwise unclassified. The clinical, radiological, and histological features of this case are similar to those reported for squamous odontogenic tumor (SOT) in humans. This case study relays the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of the first SOT-like tumor in a dog.

Third Dentition Is the Main Cause of Premolar Supernumerary Tooth Formation.

While the prevalence of supernumerary teeth (ST) is high in permanent dentition, the etiology of ST in humans remains unclear. However, multiple murine models of ST have elaborated on dated mechanisms traditionally ascribed to ST etiology: one involves the rescue of rudimental teeth, and the second considers the contribution of odontogenic epithelial stem cells. It remains unclear whether these mechanisms of ST formation in mice are applicable to humans. The third dentition is usually regressed apoptotic-that is, the teeth do not completely form in humans. Recently, it was suggested that ST result from the rescue of regression of the third dentition in humans. The present investigation evaluates the proportion of collected general ST cases that evinced a third dentition based on the clinical definition of ST derived from the third dentition. We also investigated the contribution of SOX2-positive odontogenic epithelial stem cells to ST formation in humans. We collected 215 general ST cases from 15,008 patients. We confirmed that the general characteristics of the collected ST cases were similar to the results from previous reports. Of the 215 cases, we narrowed our analysis to the 78 patients who had received a computed tomography scan. The frequency of ST considered to have been derived from the third dentition was 26 out of 78 cases. Evidence of a third dentition was especially apparent in the premolar region, was more common in men, and was more likely among patients with ≥3 ST. SOX2-positive odontogenic epithelial stem cells within the surrounding epithelial cells of developing ST were observed in non-third dentition cases and not in third dentition cases. In conclusion, the third dentition is the main cause of ST in humans. The odontogenic epithelial stem cells may contribute to ST formation in cases not caused by a third dentition.

Estudo da expressão imunohistoquímica de SO2, FGF-10 e WNT-1 em lesões odontogênicas epiteliais benignas / Study of the immunohistochemical expression of SO2, FGF-10 and WNT-1 in benign epithelial odontogenic lesions

Os dentes desenvolvem-se a partir de interações sequenciais entre o epitélio e o mesênquima derivado da crista neural em diferentes estágios de histodiferenciação e morfodiferenciação. Ao final da odontogênese, espera-se que as estruturas que participaram da formação destes tecidos desapareçam ou permaneçam quiescentes. Não é incomum que os remanescentes epiteliais da odontogênese originem lesões, como cistos e tumores odontogênicos. No desenvolvimento dentário precoce, a manutenção das células-tronco é regulada por uma série de fatores de transcrição específicos, que inclui OCT-4, SOX-2, Nanog, Stat-3 e c-Myc e diversos outros genes Homeobox e vias de transcrição (SHH, Wnt/ß-catenina, FGF, BMP) contribuem para o destino e diferenciação celular. No entanto, há a participação destes genes e vias na patogênese de vários tipos de tumores. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a imunoexpressão de SOX2, FGF-10 e Wnt-1 em uma série de casos de lesões odontogênicas e alguns espécimes de germes dentários. A amostra consistiu de 20 Ceratocistos Odontogênicos (CO), 20 Ameloblastomas sólidos (AM), 20 Tumores odontogênicos adenomatoides (TOA), 10 Tumores odontogênico epitelial calcificante (TOEC) e 05 casos de germes dentários usados comparativamente. A imunoexpressão foi avaliada de acordo com o percentual de células epiteliais imunomarcadas e intensidade de células positivas resultando na pontuação de imunomarcação total (PIT) que variou de 0 a 7. A análise da imunoexpressão da SOX2 revelou positividade na maioria dos casos das lesões estudadas. A pontuação de imunomarcação para SOX2 revelou haver diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos de lesões estudadas, com maior frequência em CO e TOEC (p <0,001). Após o pareamento, observou-se diferença significativa entre AM e CO, AM e TOEC, CO e TOA, CO e TOEC e, TOA e TOEC (p <0,05). A análise da imunoexpressão da FGF-10 e Wnt-1 revelou positividade em todos os casos das lesões estudadas, mas sem diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os grupos de lesões estudadas (p = 0,628). Houve diferença significativa em relação aos escores de positividade para Wnt-1 (p <0,001) com maior frequência em CO e TOA. Após o pareamento, observou-se existir diferença estatisticamente significativa entre AM e CO, AM e TOEC, CO e TOEC e, TOA e TOEC (p <0,05). O padrão de expressão de SOX2, FGF-10 e Wnt-1, em germes dentários e nas lesões odontogênicas aqui avaliadas, confirma a participação destas vias na odontogênese e também no desenvolvimento das lesões odontogênicas (AU).

Dental development occurs from sequential interactions between the epithelium and the mesenchyme derived from the neural crest at different stages of histodifferentiation and morphodifferentiation. At the end of tooth development, the structures that participated in the formation of these tissues are expected to disappear or remain quiescent. It is not uncommon that the epithelial remnants of the tooth development originate lesions such as odontogenic cysts and tumors. In early tooth development, stem cell maintenance is regulated by specific transcription factors, which includes OCT-4, SOX-2, Nanog, Stat-3 and c-Myc and several other Homeobox genes and transcription pathways (SHH, Wnt/ß-catenin, FGF, BMP) contribute to cell fate and differentiation. However, there is involvement of these genes and pathways in the pathogenesis of several types of tumors. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunoexpression of SOX2, FGF-10 and Wnt-1 in a case series of odontogenic lesions and some specimens of dental germs. The sample consisted of 20 Odontogenic Keratocysts (OK), 20 solid ameloblastomas (AM), 20 adenomatoid odontogenic tumors (AOT), 10 calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumors (CEOT) and 5 dental gerns for comparison. Immunoexpression was evaluated according to the percentage of immunostained epithelial cells and intensity of the positive cells resulting in total immunostaining score (PIT) ranging from 0 to 7. The analysis of SOX2 immunoexpression revealed positivity in most cases of the lesions studied. The immunostaining score for SOX2 revealed a statistically significant difference between the groups of lesions studied, with a higher frequency in OK and CEOT (p < 0.001). After pairing, we observed a significant difference between AM and OK, AM and CEOT, OK and AOT, OK and CEOT, and AOT and CEOT (p <0.05). Analysis of the FGF-10 and Wnt-1 immunoexpression revealed positivity in all cases of the lesions studied, with no statistically significant difference between the groups of lesions studied (p = 0.628). There was a significant difference in relation to the positivity scores for Wnt-1 (p <0.001) with higher frequency in OK and AOT. After pairing, there was a statistically significant difference between AM and OK, AM and CEOT, OK and CEOT and, AOT and CEOT (p <0.05). The expression pattern of SOX2, FGF-10 and Wnt-1 in dental germs and odontogenic lesions evaluated here confirms the participation of these pathways in the tooth development as well as in the development of odontogenic lesions (AU).

Pindborg tumor.

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT), also known as Pindborg tumor, is a rare odontogenic epithelial neoplasm. So far, nearly 200 cases have been reported in the literature. We are reporting a case of CEOT in a 42-year-old male patient with painless bony swelling in the mandible. The clinical, radiographic, and histopathologic features are discussed with relevant references.

Treatment of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor/Pindborg tumor by a conservative surgical method.

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT) also known as Pindborg tumor is a rare odontogenic epithelial neoplasm. So far nearly 200 cases have been reported in literature. We are reporting a case of CEOT in a 42-year-old male patient with painless bony swelling in the mandible. Approximately, 50% of the cases are associated with an unerupted tooth or odontome, but was not so with our case. Considering the intrabony mandibular location of the lesion and its limited size, we opted for a more conservative surgery. The clinical, radiographic and histopathologic features and the surgical treatment done are discussed with relevant references.

An unusual presentation of clear cell odontogenic carcinoma in mandibular anterior region.

Clear cell odontogenic carcinoma (CCOC) is a rare, potentially aggressive odontogenic epithelial tumor with tendency for recurrence. It was first described as a clinicopathological entity in 1985 and to date only 73 cases has been reported in English literature. A case of CCOC in 64-year-old male patient in mandibular anterior region is presented which when recurred in soft tissue 5 years after wide surgical resection of mandible, revealed a biphasic pattern as against monophasic pattern of primary neoplasm and was unusually associated with primary squamous cell carcinoma, suggestive of hybrid tumor.

Analysis of the proliferative potential of odontogenic epithelial cells of pericoronal follicles.

AIM: To evaluate the proliferative potential and the cell proliferation rate of odontogenic epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two cases of pericoronal follicles of impacted third molars were submitted to silver impregnation technique for quantification of argyrophilic nucleolar organizer regions (AgNOR) and immunohistochemical staining for EGFR and Ki-67. For AgNOR quantification, the mean number of active nucleolar organizer regions per nucleus (mAgNOR) and the percentage of cells with 1, 2, 3 and 4 or more AgNORs per nucleus (pAgNOR) were quantified. Ki-67 immunolabeling was quantified, whereas for EGFR, a descriptive analysis of staining patterns (membrane, cytoplasm or membrane + cytoplasm positivity) was performed. We evaluated the reduced epithelium of the enamel organ and/or islands of odontogenic epithelium present in the entire connective tissue. RESULTS: mAgNOR were 1.43 (1.0-2.42) and were significantly different among pericoronary follicles from upper and lower teeth (p = 0.041). Immunostaining of Ki-67 was negative in all cases. EGFR immunolabeling was found mainly in the cytoplasm and was more intense in islands and cords when compared to reduced epithelium of the enamel organ. CONCLUSION: Odontogenic epithelial cells of some pericoronal follicles have proliferative potential, suggesting their association with the development of odontogenic lesions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The authors suggest that nonerupted, especially of the lower teeth, should be monitored and if necessary removed.

Immunohistochemical analysis of human homologue of drosophila patched (PTCH) in dental follicles of impacted third molars / Análisis imunohistoquímico del homólogo humano del gen parcheado de drosofila (PTCH) en folículos dentales de terceros molares retenidos

This study investigated the immunodetection of PTCH in epithelial components of dental follicles associated with impacted third molars without radiographic signs of pathosis. One hundred and five specimens of dental follicles associated with impacted third molars with incomplete rhizogenesis (between Nolla's stage 6 and 9) were surgically removed from 56 patients. Epithelial cell proliferation was determined by using immunohistochemical labeling. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher exact test and a level of significance of 5 percent. Of the 105 dental follicles collected, 3 were PTCH-positive. The specimens with squamous metaplasia and epithelial hyperplasia had higher rates of positivity for PTCH, as well as those with active remnants of odontogenic epithelium. This study suggests that the odontogenic cells of the dental follicle might be proliferating during the rhizogenesis, while the squamous metaplasia and hyperplasia of the epithelial lining and proliferative odontogenic epithelial rests show the differentiation potential of dental follicles.

Se investigó la inmunodetección de PTCH en los componentes epiteliales de los folículos dentales asociados a terceros molares retenidos sin signos radiográficos y morfológicos de patología. Fueron quirúrgicamente extraídos de 56 pacientes 105 muestras de folículos dentales asociadas a terceros molares retenidos con rizogénesis incompleta (entre el estadio de Nolla 6 y 9). La proliferación de células epiteliales se deteminó mediante inmunohistoquímica. El análisis estadístico se realizó mediante la prueba exacta de Fisher. De los 105 folículos dentales recogidos, 3 fueron PTCH-positivos. Las muestras con metaplasia escamosa e hiperplasia epitelial tuvieron mayores tasas de positividad para PTCH, así como aquellos con los restos de proliferación del epitélio odontogénico. En conclusión, este estudio sugiere que las células odontogénicas del folículo dental podrían estar proliferando durante la rizogénesis, mientras que la metaplasia escamosa e hiperplasia del epitelio y de restos epiteliales odontogénicos en proliferación muestran el potencial de diferenciación de los folículos dentales.

Hybrid central odontogenic fibroma with giant cell granuloma-like component: case report and review of literature.

Central odontogenic fibroma (COF) is a rare benign ectomesenchymal tumor of the jaws. Only 12 cases of COF with giant cell granuloma (GCG)-like lesion have been reported in the English literature. Here, we present a new case of COF epithelium rich type with a GCG-like component. Radiographically, this lesion presented as a well defined unilocular radiolucency in the body of the mandible. Histologically, the lesion showed a unique confluence of odontogenic epithelial rests with multinucleated giant cells (MNGCs) in a highly cellular fibrous connective tissue stroma, with osteoid and cementoid deposits. A distinct area showed the typical histological picture of each component separately. Immunohistochemical staining with pancytokeratin (CK) highlighted the odontogenic epithelial component merging with the GCG component throughout most of the lesion. The significance of GCG-like areas within COF is the reported increased risk of recurrence following curettage, possibly necessitating more aggressive therapy.