Signal pathways signalling ameloblastoma

Odontogenic tumors are the lesions that are derived from the tooth-producing tissues or their remnants that remain entrapped either within the jawbones. The assumption of being Odontogenic in origin derives from the fact that they are only found in the jaws having a relation to teeth and teeth-bearing tissues. Further their relationship to the teeth is fairly clear-cut, both histologically and radiographically. The pathogenetic mechanism of Odontogenic tumors is close¬ly related to the developmental processes of teeth. As a result, the molecular signaling mechanisms for normal enamel organs and Odontogenic tumors have been closely compared. With advances in the elucidation of molecular signaling mecha¬nisms in cells, the cytodifferentiation of epithelial tumor cells in ameloblastomas can be identified using different biomarkers. Therefore, it is suggested that comprehensive pathological observation including molecular genetic information can provide more reliable information for the propagation and prognosis of ameloblastomas. This article is aimed to re¬view the current concepts of ameloblastomas and to discuss their clinico-pathological features relevant to tumorigenesis and prognosis.