title: Matrix metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, and growth factors regulate the aggressiveness and proliferative activity of keratocystic odontogenic tumors.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this preliminary study was to evaluate the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) and growth factors in keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs).
  
  
  METHODS
  The expression of MMPs, TIMPs, growth factors, and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 signaling pathway were assessed by immunohistochemistry in 15 cases of KOT and 4 cases of calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor (CCOT).
  
  
  RESULTS
  KOT samples expressed significantly higher amounts of MMPs, TIMPs, growth factors, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and ERK compared with CCOT samples, with the exception of MMP-2 and TIMP-1.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  MMP-9, TIMP-2, EGF and transforming growth factor α act together and likely regulate the proliferation and aggressiveness of KOT. ERK-1/2 serves as the transducer of signals generated by these proteins, which signal through the common receptor, EGFR. This process may be related to the increased proliferation and aggressiveness observed in KOT.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, University Center of Pará, Belém, Brazil. ribeiroalr@ig.com.br
authors.forename: André Luis Ribeiro
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.forename: Rafaela M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Nobre
authors.forename: Sérgio M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Alves-Junior
authors.forename: Maria S S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Kataoka
authors.forename: Regina F F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Barroso
authors.forename: Ruy G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Jaeger
authors.forename: João J V
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Pinheiro
mesh_terms: D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D007573:Jaw Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D018333:Odontogenic Cyst, Calcifying / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D066246:ErbB Receptors; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases