Development of a Saliva-Based Diagnostic Method for Oral Cancer using Cancer Cell-Derived Secretory Vesicles

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K10125
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 57060:Surgical dentistry-related
• Research Institution: Tokyo Dental College
• Principal Investigator: Kokubun Katsutoshi 東京歯科大学, 歯学部, 准教授 (90535808)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 歯原性腫瘍 / 口腔病理

Outline of Final Research Achievements

DNA was extracted from specimens obtained from patients with odontogenic tumors and analyzed for genetic information. BRAF mutation analysis was performed on ameloblastoma specimens, and BRAF mutation (V600E) was found in 83% of the samples. Immunohistochemical staining using an anti-BRAF V600E antibody was conducted, and the presence of the mutation was detectable. No correlation was observed between this BRAF mutation and clinicopathological features. In the same case, an investigation into SMO mutations was also conducted, but no SMO mutations could be detected. Exome sequencing of patient samples affected by odontogenic myxoma was also performed for the identification of the causative gene.

Free Research Field

口腔病理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本結果により、歯原性腫瘍、特にエナメル上皮腫や歯原性粘液腫の診断において遺伝子解析が有用であることがわかった。特にエナメル上皮腫においては、BRAF変異が高頻度でみられることから診断困難な症例において遺伝子解析がその一助となることがわかる。また、これまでに歯原性粘液腫の原因遺伝子に関しての報告はなかったが、本研究により原因遺伝子が同定されたことにより、今後、診断への影響を検索していくことで、遺伝子診断へつながっていくことが示唆された。