p53 and MDM2 expression in odontogenic cysts and tumours.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this report was to assess p53 and MDM2 expression in odontogenic cysts and tumours, as they are known to play important roles in cell proliferation and tumorigenesis.


METHODS
The expression of p53 and MDM2 proteins was determined immunohistochemically in 51 formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded specimens of odontogenic cysts and tumours.


RESULTS
No positivity to p53 was found in the cases studied. MDM2 expression in ameloblastoma was higher than in radicular cysts, but lower than that observed in odontogenic keratocysts. No difference was observed between MDM2 expression in radicular cyst and adenomatoid odontogenic tumour. The clear-cell odontogenic ameloblastoma presented strong immunoreaction to this antigen.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that MDM2 overexpression may be involved in the pathogenesis of some odontogenic lesions.
Carvalhais
J
J
Department of Oral Surgery and Pathology, School of Dentistry, Minas Gerais Federal University, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Aguiar
M
M
Araújo
V
V
Araújo
N
N
Gomez
R
R
D015870:Gene Expression; D015972:Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D009807:Odontogenic Cysts / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D009808:Odontogenic Tumors / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D051736:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000378:metabolism*; D015854:Up-Regulation
D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; C497206:MDM2 protein, human; D051736:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-mdm2