About this Research Topic

Background

Somatic mutations of tumor-associated genes, as well as epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and histone conversion, are involved in the development of different benign and malignant tumors, including odontogenic tumors. Clinicopathologically, odontogenic tumors range from hamartomatous or non-neopastic tissue proliferations to benign or malignant tumors. Some benign odontogenic tumors, such as ameloblastoma, are locally invasive and tend to recur, while others become malignant. On the other hand, clinical features of adenomatoid odontogenic tumor are similar to those of hamartoma, despite the presence of mutations in the KRAS gene.

At present, no obvious genetic mutations have been identified in primordial odontogenic tumor, however, cases of growth to around 8 cm have been reported. It is evident that the classification of odontogenic tumors is controversial. As new molecular evidence emerges, our understanding of these lesions changes, which is reflected in the way we classify these lesions and how they are clinically managed.

The aim of this Research Topic is to introduce new insights into genetic alterations and protein expression abnormalities that may be associated with the development of benign and malignant odontogenic tumors, including hamartomatous lesions and odontogenic cysts. Odontogenic tumors are heterogeneous lesions derived from epitelial, ectomesenchymal and/or mesenchymal elements of the tooth-forming apparatus, and the degree of differentiation of the cells during development is closely related to the characteristics of the tumor. Therefore, the differential diagnosis of odontogenic tumors can be challenging. Since odontogenic tumors generally arise within the jawbone, invasive surgical treatments are required even for hamartomatous lesions and benign tumors, and they are one of the main causes of tissue destruction in the oral and maxillofacial region. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of odontogenic tumors may lead to more accurate diagnosis and the development of less invasive treatment strategies.

We hope this Research Topic will lead to a better understanding of the pathogenesis and progression mechanisms of odontogenic tumors. We welcome high-quality articles containing original research and reviews involving experimental research and clinical data.
Areas of interest include but are not limited to the following aspects:
* Possible genetic alterations that are associated with tumorigenesis and tumor progression.
* Identification of key epigenetic regulators of odontogenic tumors.
* Molecular biomarkers for differential diagnosis or for outcome prediction of odontogenic tumors.
* Clinical features of rare odontogenic tumors with consideration of their possible pathogenesis.

Keywords: Odontogenic Tumor, Odontogenesis, Odontomas, Ameloblastoma

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