Keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOT) are benign, locally aggressive intraosseous tumors of odontogenic origin. KCOT have a higher stromal microvessel density (MVD) than dentigerous cysts (DC) and normal oral mucosa. To identify genes in the stroma of KCOT involved in tumor development and progression, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was performed using samples from KCOT and primary stromal fibroblasts isolated from gingival tissues. Seven candidate genes that possess a function potentially related to KCOT progression were selected and their expression levels were confirmed by quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Expression of lysyl oxidase-like 4 (LOXL4), the only candidate gene that encodes a secreted protein, was enhanced at both the mRNA and protein levels in KCOT stromal tissues and primary KCOT stromal fibroblasts compared to control tissues and primary fibroblasts (P<0.05). In vitro, high expression of LOXL4 could enhance proliferation and migration of the human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). There was a significant, positive correlation between LOXL4 protein expression and MVD in stroma of KCOT and control tissues (r=0.882). These data suggest that abnormal expression of LOXL4 of KCOT may enhance angiogenesis in KCOT, which may help to promote the locally aggressive biological behavior of KCOT.
Adult ; Amino Acid Oxidoreductases ; genetics ; Cell Movement ; genetics ; Cell Proliferation ; Dentigerous Cyst ; enzymology ; pathology ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Fibroblasts ; pathology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic ; genetics ; Gingiva ; pathology ; Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells ; pathology ; Humans ; Male ; Microvessels ; pathology ; Neovascularization, Pathologic ; genetics ; Odontogenic Tumors ; blood supply ; enzymology ; pathology ; Sequence Analysis, RNA ; Stromal Cells ; pathology ; Young Adult