Mutation of ameloblastin gene in calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor.

Background: Ameloblastin (AMBN) gene expresses an important protein that acts as a cell adhesion molecule. This protein plays an important role in maintaining the ameloblast secretory stage of differentiation by binding to them and inhibiting their proliferation. Due to the relationship of this protein in the differentiation and proliferation of odontogenic cells, here, we investigated this gene in different types of odontogenic tumors. Materials and Methods: Sequencing of the all encoding region of AMBN gene was carried out in four frozen cases of odontogenic tumors: one case of calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT), two calcifying odontogenic cysts (COC) and one ameloblastic fibroma (AF). Results: DNA sequencing was modified in an important domain of the AMBN only in the CEOT Conclusion: The present study suggests that AMBN gene alterations may be relevant to the pathogenesis of CEOT.