title: Review article: Current concepts of ameloblastoma pathogenesis.
abstract: Ameloblastoma is a locally destructive and invasive tumour that can recur despite adequate surgical removal. Molecular studies have offered interesting findings regarding ameloblastoma pathogenesis. In the present review, the following topics are discussed regarding its molecular nature: clonality, cell cycle proliferation, apoptosis, tumour suppressor genes, ameloblastin and other enamel matrix proteins, osteoclastic mechanism and matrix metalloproteinases and other signalling molecules. It is clear from the literature reviewed that translational studies are necessary to identify prognostic markers of ameloblastoma behaviour and to establish new diagnostic tools to the differential diagnosis of unicystic from multicystic ameloblastoma. Finally, molecular biology studies are also important to develop more effective alternative approaches to the treatment of this aggressive odontogenic tumour.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
authors.forename: Carolina Cavalieri
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Gomes
authors.forename: Alessandra Pires
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Duarte
authors.forename: Marina Gonçalves
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Diniz
authors.forename: Ricardo Santiago
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Gomez
mesh_terms: D000564:Ameloblastoma / Q000209:etiology* / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D002999:Clone Cells; D003746:Dental Enamel Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D016147:Genes, Tumor Suppressor / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000502:physiology; D010010:Osteoclasts / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: C490889:AMBN protein, human; D003746:Dental Enamel Proteins; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases