IKKβ overexpression together with a lack of tumour suppressor genes causes ameloblastic odontomas in mice

Abstract

Odontogenic tumours are a heterogeneous group of lesions that develop in the oral cavity region and are characterized by the formation of tumoural structures that differentiate as teeth. Due to the diversity of their histopathological characteristics and clinical behaviour, the classification of these tumours is still under debate. Alterations in morphogenesis pathways such as the Hedgehog, MAPK and WNT/β-catenin pathways are implicated in the formation of odontogenic lesions, but the molecular bases of many of these lesions are still unknown. In this study, we used genetically modified mice to study the role of IKKβ (a fundamental regulator of NF-κB activity and many other proteins) in oral epithelial cells and odontogenic tissues. Transgenic mice overexpressing IKKβ in oral epithelial cells show a significant increase in immune cells in both the oral epithelia and oral submucosa. They also show changes in the expression of several proteins and miRNAs that are important for cancer development. Interestingly, we found that overactivity of IKKβ in oral epithelia and odontogenic tissues, in conjunction with the loss of tumour suppressor proteins (p53, or p16 and p19), leads to the appearance of odontogenic tumours that can be classified as ameloblastic odontomas, sometimes accompanied by foci of secondary ameloblastic carcinomas. These tumours show NF-κB activation and increased β-catenin activity. These findings may help to elucidate the molecular determinants of odontogenic tumourigenesis and the role of IKKβ in the homoeostasis and tumoural transformation of oral and odontogenic epithelia.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 among dental health care professionals: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia

“…They agreed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, rubber dams, four-handed dentistry and saliva ejectors should be used along with minimal aerosol-producing procedures. 44 The presence of saliva in the oral cavity is a potential source of infection 10 , 28 that can be exacerbated by various aerosol-generating procedures. Thus, wearing goggles and shields can prevent the virus from coming into contact with the conjunctiva epithelium.…”

“…Thus, wearing goggles and shields can prevent the virus from coming into contact with the conjunctiva epithelium. 42 , 44 Therefore, DHCPs should focus on procedures that produce fewer aerosols, 5 , 10 , 45 which could help to reduce disease transmission. This is in consensus with the guidelines of the CDC, the WHO and various dental societies.…”

“…Along with elderly people and individuals with comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes and cancer, HCWs are at an increased risk of acquiring COVID-19. 8 , 9 Dental health care professionals (DHCPs) are no exception 10 , 11 As dental treatment requires close proximity to patients, DHCPs are constantly exposed to infectious oral fluids, which can play a pivotal role in the dissemination of infection. 8 Furthermore, DHCPs experience fear and psychological stress because of considerable work overload and low self-efficacy.…”

Does the Global Outbreak of COVID-19 or Other Viral Diseases Threaten the Stem Cell Reservoir Inside the Body?

“…This virus uses the serine protease termed TMPRSS2 for priming S protein [ 11 ]. Like other cells, the ACE2 receptor is present on the surface of respiratory epithelial cells which makes these cells more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection rather than cells with low levels of ACE2 receptor [ 12 ]. This coronavirus harbors a nucleocapsid with 30 kb + ssRNA [ 13 , 14 ].…”

<p>Emodin Reverses Gemcitabine Resistance of Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines Through Inhibition of IKKβ/NF-κB Signaling Pathway</p>

“…Therefore, the IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway has been one of the most popular anti-tumor targets, and its over-activation has been found in almost all solid tumor cells. 14,15 In summary, IKKβ/NF-κB signaling pathway inhibitors have great potential in reversing gemcitabine resistance and are expected to become potential drugs to overcome the clinical problem of gemcitabine resistance. Unfortunately, the related research in this area has not yet attracted enough attention.…”