Epigenetic alterations in ameloblastomas: A literature review

BACKGROUND: Ameloblastoma is a locally aggressive tumor, originated from odontogenic epithelium, and affects the jawbones with an elevated recurrence rate. The molecular mechanisms involved with the pathogenesis of this tumor remain undetermined. This review aimed to describe the current data regarding epigenetic alterations in ameloblastoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A systematized electronic search was performed in the English-language literature in three databases, combining the following keywords: ameloblastoma, epigenetic, methylation, noncoding RNA, histone acetylation. RESULTS: According to the gathered results of 11 studies in this review, epigenetic alterations could induce the development and progression of ameloblastoma. DNA methylation has been the most assessed mechanism in ameloblastomas. CONCLUSIONS: Current literature data indicate that epigenetic events can be involved in the etiopathogenesis of ameloblastomas. Key words:Ameloblastoma, epigenetic, methylation, noncoding RNA, histone acetylation.