Expression of YAP/TAZ in Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumors and Its Possible Association with Proliferative Behavior

Biomed Res Int. 2017:2017:4624890. doi: 10.1155/2017/4624890. Epub 2017 Apr 23.

Abstract

The aim of this study is to clarify whether YAP/TAZ is involved in the pathogenesis and proliferative growth of keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT). The expression levels of YAP/TAZ and downstream proteins and genes in normal oral mucosa (OM) and KCOT were determined and compared by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR. The results showed that the expression of YAP/TAZ and downstream proteins (Cyr61, CTGF) was significantly upregulated in KCOT with upregulation of Ki-67 compared to OM. Importantly, the mRNA levels of transcription factors (TEAD1, TEAD4, and RUNX2) and cell cycle related genes (CDK2, PCNA), which interact with the transcriptional coactivators YAP/TAZ, are also upregulated in the KCOT. In addition, the results from Spearman rank correlation test revealed the close relationship between YAP/TAZ and Ki-67, which was further evidenced by double-labelling immunofluorescence that revealed a synchronous distribution for YAP/TAZ with Ki-67 in KCOT samples. All the data suggested YAP/TAZ might be involved in the proliferative behavior of KCOT.

MeSH terms

  • Acyltransferases
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism*
  • Cell Proliferation / physiology*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique / methods
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry / methods
  • Mouth Mucosa / metabolism*
  • Odontogenic Cysts / metabolism*
  • Odontogenic Cysts / pathology
  • Odontogenic Tumors / metabolism*
  • Phosphoproteins / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Up-Regulation / physiology
  • YAP-Signaling Proteins

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Phosphoproteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • YAP-Signaling Proteins
  • YAP1 protein, human
  • Acyltransferases
  • TAFAZZIN protein, human