Epigenetic mechanisms in odontogenic tumors: A literature review

Publication date: March 2018
Source:Archives of Oral Biology, Volume 87
Author(s): Jorge Sandoval-Basilio, Rogelio González-González, Ronell Bologna-Molina, Mario Isiordia-Espinoza, Gabriela Leija-Montoya, Sofia L. Alcaraz-Estrada, Idanya Serafín-Higuera, Javier González-Ramírez, Nicolás Serafín-Higuera
ObjectiveEpigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, regulate important biological processes as gene expression and it was suggested that these phenomena play important roles in the carcinogenesis and tumor biology. The aim of this review is to provide the current state of knowledge about epigenetic alterations, focusing mainly on DNA methylation, reported in odontogenic tumors.DesignLiteratures were searched based in the combination of the following keywords: odontogenic tumors, epigenetics, DNA methylation, histone modifications, non-coding RNA, microRNA, DNA methyltransferases. Electronic databases (Medline/PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science) were screened.ResultsThe analysis of epigenetic alterations in different tumors has rapidly increased; however, limited information is available about epigenetic mechanisms involved in the formation of odontogenic tumors. DNA methylation is the most studied epigenetic modification in these tumors and the participation of non-coding RNA's in odontogenic tumors has been recently addressed. Differential expression of DNA methyltransferases, altered DNA methylation patterns and aberrant expression of non-coding RNA's were reported in odontogenic tumors.ConclusionsCurrent studies suggest epigenetics as an emerging mechanism, possibly implicated in etiopathogenesis of odontogenic tumors. Deeper understanding of the epigenetic abnormalities in these tumors could show potential applications as biomarkers or therapeutic possibilities in the future.



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