Assessment of SOX2 expression as a tumor stem cell marker in Ameloblastoma and Dentigerous cyst

Haneen Mahmoud Zeen El-Abdeen, Postgraduate Student, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, EgyptFollow
Noha Ahmed Mansour, Assistant Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
Sherif Yousef Elnagdy, Professor, Department of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt.
Mohamed Abdel-Monem Tawfik, Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt

Article Type

Original Article

Section/Category

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Abstract

Objective: The pathogenesis of odontogenic lesions remains unclear; however, a probable explanation could mean the presence of tumor stem cells (TSCs). The preservation of stem cells during early dental development is governed by many transcription factors, including sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box 2 (SOX-2). Numerous studies observed the increased expression of SOX2 in various benign and malignant tumors as its impact on tumorigenesis varies according to tumor type. This research aims to determine the predictive importance of the SOX2 stem cell marker by evaluating its immunoexpression in ameloblastoma (Ab) and dentigerous cyst (DC). Materials and Methods: Twenty-Four samples were part of this investigation, 15 ameloblastomas (Ab) and 9 dentigerous cyst (DC). The SOX2 Polyclonal Antibody was used for immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, and SOX2 expression was assessed by two methods, computer-assisted digital image analysis and semi-quantitative method. Positive specimens were considered when nucleus had brown staining. Results: All cases in the two groups showed positive SOX2 expression. SOX2 expression in (Ab) was stronger than (DC) as ameloblastoma showed nuclear and cytoblasmic reaction, while SOX2 immunoreactivity was low positive in dentigerous cyst cases. Significant difference found between ameloblastoma (Ab) and dentigerous cyst (DC). Conclusion: SOX2 serves as a viable marker for recognizing the presence of tumor stem cells (TSCs) within odontogenic lesions which contribute in high recurrence rate of these lesions and can affect patient prognosis. Recognizing such factors is essential for improved treatment and outcome of odontogenic lesions to enhance therapeutic efficacy and avoid recurrence

Keywords

SOX2; Ameloblastoma; Dentigerous cyst; Immunohistochemistry

How to Cite This Article

El-Abdeen H , Mansour N , Elnagdy S , Tawfik M . Assessment of SOX2 expression as a tumor stem cell marker in Ameloblastoma and Dentigerous cyst. Mans J Dent. 2025; 12(3):
Available at: https://doi.org/10.61793/2812-5479.1161