Downregulation of connexin 43 is crucial for basal cell alignment in ameloblastoma and odontogenic keratocyst

Background

The current study aims at investigating gap junctions which allow cells to connect with one another. Such process is essential for cell differentiation and the preservation of diverse cell functions. It is noticeable that connexin 43 (Cnx43) was differentially expressed in ameloblasts and odontoblasts in the processes of odontogenesis. Moreover, in carcinoma in situ (CIS) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), Cnx43 expression apparently thought to be a defining feature of the neoplastic state of squamous epithelial cells. Aim: Therefore, the study has postulated that Cnx43 may be involved in the pathophysiology of ameloblastoma and certain odontogenic cysts whose epithelial constituents exhibit squamous cells.

Materials and methods

In order to prove the foregoing hypothesis, the study explored the immunohistochemical profiles of Cnx43 in ameloblastoma as well as some odontogenic cysts to assess Cnx43 trafficking and its relation with characteristic tissue architectures of odontogenic lesions. Results: The study has concluded that Cnx43 was down regulated significantly in follicular ameloblastoma with obvious ameloblasts-like cell components as well as in odontogenic keratocyst with palisaded basal cells. Additionally, other patterns of ameloblastoma (plexiform and desmoplastic) and different types of odontogenic cysts manifest heavy trafficking for Cnx43. Conclusion: Finally, altered Cnx43 expression between various patterns of ameloblastoma and odontogenic cysts might be related to their pathogenesis and is responsible for their morphological diversity.