The immunoprofile of odontogenic keratocyst (keratocystic odontogenic tumor) that includes expression of PTCH, SMO, GLI-1 and bcl-2 is similar to ameloblastoma but different from odontogenic cysts.
The glandular odontogenic cysts showed immunoreactivity for bcl-2 protein in the basal and suprabasal layers, while staining in dentigerous cysts was basal or focal.
The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the immunohistochemical expression of the apoptosis-inhibiting protein bcl-2, the cell-cycle-related antigen Ki-67 and the p53 protein, which is involved both in cell cycle and apoptosis regulation, in the lining epithelium of glandular odontogenic cysts of the jaws.
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.
These results demonstrate differences in PCNA expression between the epithelial linings of the major odontogenic cyst types, indicating differences in proliferative and differentiation processes within these lesions.