Expression of E-, P-, and N-cadherin and α-, β-, and γ-catenin with respect to invasion in ameloblastoma

Abstract Ameloblastoma consists of an odontogenic epithelium and is a benign tumor without odontogenic mesenchyme. It occurs primarily in the jawbone and exhibits locally invasive growth. To clarify the factors involved in the invasion of ameloblastoma, the expression profiles of E-, P- and N-cadherin and α-, β- and γ-catenin were examined in 39 cases of ameloblastoma by immunohistochemistry. Cadherin and catenin were expressed on tumor cell membranes. Of the examined cases, 12 exhibited reduced E-cadherin expression, 12 exhibited strong P-cadherin expression, and 7 exhibited weak expression of N-cadherin. Additionally, 20 cases exhibited reduced α-catenin expression, 8 exhibited reduced β-catenin expression, and 33 cases exhibited reduced γ-catenin expression. Reduced expression of E-cadherin was associated with decreased cell adhesion, and strong expression of P-cadherin was associated with cell proliferation. Expression of N-cadherin was related to tumor invasion and suggested involvement in epithelial mesenchymal transition. In addition, reduced α-catenin in the expression region of E-cadherin suggested an abnormal function of E-cadherin. Together, these results suggest that cadherin and catenin play important roles in the development and local invasiveness of ameloblastoma.