Comparative Study of FOXC1 Expression in Selective Odontogenic Cysts and Tumours

Abstract

Introduction: Many studies have indicated that Forkhead Box C1 (FOXC1) is highly expressed in a various malignant neoplasms and its over expression is associated with tumour development, progression and metastasis. However, the role of FOXC1 in odontogenic lesions remains to be elucidated. Aim: This study aimed to investigate FOXC1 expression in selective Odontogenic Cysts (OC) and Odontogenic Tumours (OT). Materials and Methods: A descriptive study on OC and OT was performed on oral biopsy specimens at Faculty of Dentistry, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand, between January 2009 and December 2016. Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mouse were used as study animal. Immunohistochemical reaction was performed using antibody against FOXC1 in 23 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissues of eight Ameloblastoma (AM), one Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumour (AOT), seven Odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC), five Dentigerous Cyst (DC), two Calcifying Odontogenic Cyst (COC) and three mouse embryonic head at Embryonic Day (E)14. The expression level of FOXC1 was evaluated using semi-quantitative analysis. Results: Immunoreactivity of FOXC1 was not detected in the epithelial lining of OKC, DC and COC but it was identified in the epithelial compartment of AM and AOT. Overall, semi-quantitative analysis demonstrated moderate staining of FOXC1 and staining score was 4.13 in AM and 5 in AOT. In addition, FOXC1 was not detected in normal tooth bud of mouse including both enamel organ and condensing ectomesenchyme. Conclusion: Expression of FOXC1 may contribute in tumouriogenesis of OT whereas it is may not be related with normal odontogenesis.