title: Molecular markers of cell adhesion in ameloblastomas. An update.
abstract: Ameloblastoma is the most common odontogenic tumor of epithelial origin, and though it is of a benign nature, it frequently infiltrates the bone, has a high rate of recurrence and could potentially become malignant. Cellular adhesion potentially plays an important role in the manifestation of these characteristics and in the tumor biology of ameloblastomas. Losses of cell-cell and extracellular matrix adhesion and cohesion are among the first events that occur in the invasion and growth of tumors of epithelial origin. The present review includes a description of the molecules that are involved in cell adhesion as reported for various types of ameloblastomas and discusses the possible roles of these molecules in the biological behaviors of this odontogenic tumor. Knowledge of the complex mechanisms in which these molecules play a role is critical for the research and discovery of future therapeutic targets.
authors.affiliation: Research Department, School of Dentistry, Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (UJED), Predio Canoas S n, 34000 Durango, México, ronellbologna@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Rogelio
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: González-González
authors.forename: Nelly
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Molina-Frechero
authors.forename: Pablo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Damian-Matsumura
authors.forename: Ronell
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bologna-Molina
mesh_terms: D000564:Ameloblastoma / Q000209:etiology*; D015415:Biomarkers; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009808:Odontogenic Tumors / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D015815:Cell Adhesion Molecules