IMMUNOEXPRESSION OF STEM CELL MARKERS SOX-2, NANOG, AND OCT4 IN AMELOBLASTOMA

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> To analyze the expression of classic stem cell markers, SOX-2, NANOG, and OCT4, in ameloblastoma using immunohistochemistry. <h3>Study Design</h3> Twenty-three cases of ameloblastoma (AME), 10 cases of dentigerous cyst (DC), and 10 cases of dental follicle (DF) were submitted to immunohistochemistry to detect SOX-2, NANOG, and OCT4. Protein expression was compared between AME, DC, and DF. Additionally, the correlation and association of markers studied was verified. <h3>Results</h3> AME samples showed overexpression of the studied proteins when compared with DC and DF (<i>P</i> < .001), with a correlation between the immunostaining of OCT4 and SOX-2 proteins in AME neoplastic cells (<i>r</i> = 0.4544, <i>P</i> = .0294), as well as a positive linear relationship between OCT4 and SOX-2 staining in AME neoplastic cells (<i>r</i>² = 0.2065, <i>P</i> = .0294). Interestingly, both the DC and the DF showed expression of stem cell markers. <h3>Conclusions</h3> The immunolabeling of the proteins studied in AME indicates the probable role of stem cells in the genesis and progression of this neoplasia. Additionally, the presence of these markers on the DC and DF suggests that the genesis of odontogenic lesions may begin in odontogenic cysts and tissues that have stem cells.