PTCH mutations in sporadic and Gorlin-syndrome-related odontogenic keratocysts

Odontogenic keratocysts are relatively common lesions that may occur in isolation or in association with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (or Gorlin syndrome). The PTCH gene has been reported to be associated with Gorlin syndrome. We investigated 10 cases of non-syndromic keratocysts and two other cases associated with Gorlin syndrome, looking for PTCH mutations. Four novel and 1 known PTCH mutations were identified in five individual patients. Of the 5 mutations identified, 2 were germ-line mutations (2619C>A; 1338_1339insGCG) in 2 cysts associated with Gorlin syndrome, and 3 were somatic mutations (3124_3129dupGTGTGC; 1361_1364delGTCT; 3913G>T) in 3 non-syndromic cysts. This report describes PTCH mutations in both non-syndromic and Gorlin-syndrome-related odontogenic keratocysts in Chinese patients, and suggests that defects of PTCH are associated with the pathogenesis of syndromic as well as a subset of non-syndromic keratocysts.     

New mutation of the patched homologue 1 gene in a Chinese family with naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome

Naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), also known as Gorlin syndrome, is inherited in an autosomal dominant mode characterised by a combination of developmental anomalies and a predisposition to form tumours. Our aim was to search for patched homologue 1 (PTHC1) mutations in a Chinese family with NBCCS. Mutation analysis of PTCH1 was done of all 10 members of this family by amplified polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Two novel PTCH1 mutations (3146A→T, 1686C→T) were identified in all five affected members. The mutation, 3146A→T in exon 17, is predicted to lead to different PTCH protein translations. 1686C→T mutation in exon 11 is a nonsense mutation. These mutations were not found in any unaffected members of this family or in 100 unrelated healthy Chinese people. Our findings suggest that the 3146A→T mutation in the PTCH gene may be the cause of NBCCS by affecting the conformation and function of the PTCH protein.     

PTCH germline mutations in Chinese nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome patients

OBJECTIVES: PTCH, the human homologue of the Drosophila segment polarity gene, patched, has been identified as the gene responsible for nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. The aim of this study was to investigate PTCH gene mutation in Chinese patients with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA was isolated from both odontogenic keratocyst tissue and peripheral blood of five patients with syndrome and one patient with only multiple odontogenic keratocysts, and mutational analysis of the PTCH gene performed by direct sequencing after amplification of all 23 exons by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: A previously reported germline mutation (c.2619C>A) was identified in two familial cases involving the mother and the daughter, with the mother also carrying a novel somatic mutation (c.361_362insGAGC). Three novel germline PTCH mutations (c.1338_1339insGCG, c.331delG and c.1939A>T) were detected in three unrelated patients with syndrome. The patient with multiple odontogenic keratocysts who failed to fulfill the diagnostic criteria of the syndrome also carried a novel germline mutation (c.317T>G). CONCLUSION: The frequent germline PTCH mutations detected in our series provide further evidence for the crucial role of PTCH in the pathogenesis of nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome in Chinese.     

Basal cell nevus syndrome: clinical and genetic diagnosis

Introduction

Basal cell nevus syndrome (BCNS), also known as Gorlin–Goltz syndrome, comprises five main pathological features: nevoid basal cell carcinomas, keratocystic odontogenic tumors, congenital skeletal anomalies, calcification of the falx cerebri, and point skin depressions on the palms and/or soles. The disease exhibits a dominant autosomal hereditary trait, with implication of the human homologue of the Drosophila segment polarity Patched (PTCH) gene. BCNS is diagnosed on the basis of clinical and radiological criteria and can be confirmed by genetic study. The patient prognosis is very good, with normal life expectancy in most cases.

Methods

The present study reports two cases of BCNS with the presence of maxillo-mandibular keratocystic odontogenic tumors.

Results

One case was diagnosed according to clinical criteria, while the other required genetic confirmation that revealed a germ line mutation in exon 17 (c.2868delC), not previously described in the databases, which was considered to be responsible for the disease.     

Contributions of PTCH gene variants to isolated cleft lip and palate.

OBJECTIVE: Mutations in patched (PTCH) cause the nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS), or Gorlin syndrome. Nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome may present with developmental anomalies, including rib and craniofacial abnormalities, and predisposes to several tumor types, including basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. Cleft palate is found in 4% of individuals with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. Because there might be specific sequence alterations in PTCH that limit expression to orofacial clefting, a genetic study of PTCH was undertaken in cases with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) known not to have nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome. RESULTS: Seven new normal variants spread along the entire gene and three missense mutations were found among cases with cleft lip and/or palate. One of these variants (P295S) was not found in any of 1188 control samples. A second variant was found in a case and also in 1 of 1119 controls. The third missense (S827G) was found in 5 of 1369 cases and in 5 of 1104 controls and is likely a rare normal variant. Linkage and linkage desequilibrium also was assessed using normal variants in and adjacent to the PTCH gene in 220 families (1776 individuals), each with two or more individuals with isolated clefting. Although no statistically significant evidence of linkage (multipoint HLOD peak = 2.36) was uncovered, there was borderline evidence of significant transmission distortion for one haplotype of two single nucleotide polymorphisms located within the PTCH gene (p = .08). CONCLUSION: Missense mutations in PTCH may be rare causes of isolated cleft lip and/or palate. An as yet unidentified variant near PTCH may act as a modifier of cleft lip and/or palate.     

One germline mutation of PTCH gene in a Chinese family with non-syndromic keratocystic odontogenic tumours

Keratocystic odontogenic tumours (KOCTs) are common benign cystic tumours that arise sporadically or associated with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS). PTCH mutation can be found in sporadically or NBCCS associated KOCTs. Few PTCH mutations in families with non-syndromic KOCTs have been reported. Through PCR and gene sequence analysis, the authors discovered one missense mutation c.3277G>C in exon 19 of PTCH gene in a Chinese family with non-syndromic KOCTs. This mutation causes one highly conserved glycine residue transit to arginine on the 10th transmembrane region of PTCH protein. This work revealed that the missense mutation of PTCH is the causative and dominant gene of KOCTs in this family.     

PCR-SSCP和DNA测序检测牙源性角化囊肿中PTCH基因的突变

目的 检测牙源性角化囊肿（OKC）中PTCH基因突变的特点。方法 采用PCR-SSCP筛查与DNA直接测序的方法对12例OKC进行PTCH基因突变的检测, 其中2例为痣样基底细胞癌综合征（NBCCS）相关OKC,10例为散发OKC。 结果 在4例OKC中发现了4处突变,其中2处生殖细胞突变发生在2例NBCCS相关OKC,2处体细胞突变发生在2例散发OKC。另外,还在10例OKC中检测到了8处PTCH基因多态性。结论 NBCCS相关OKC和散发OKC均可发生PTCH基因突变,但突变水平不同,PTCH基因的突变在二者的发病中可能均起重要作用。     

牙源性角化囊肿中PTCH基因的突变检测

目的检测牙源性角化囊肿（OKC）中PTCH基因突变的发生频率、类型及分布特点，分析散发OKC与伴发痣样基底细胞癌综合征（NBCCS）OKC之间的分子病理联系。方法收集8例OKC新鲜病变组织（4例散发，4例伴发NBCCS），提取DNA，采用PCR直接测序法检测OKC病变组织中的PTCH基因突变。结果分别于4例NBCCS—OKC和2例散发OKC中检测到6处PTCH基因突变，2例为错义突变，引起1个氨基酸的改变；其余4例突变分别为1～7个碱基插入或缺失，其中3例引起读码框的改变（移码突变），并导致蛋白质的提前截断，1例导致了2个氨基酸的插入。结论PTCH基因突变不仅常见于NBCCS—OKC，部分散发OKC病变也可以发生该基因的异常。     

Oral squamous cell carcinoma arising in a patient with Werner syndrome

Werner syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by physical signs and symptoms, including premature aging and scleroderma-like skin changes. The gene responsible for WS is the WRN gene. A significant proportion of WS-related malignant tumours are non-epithelial types, and the incidence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is rare. A case of oral SCC of the lower alveolus and gingiva arising in a 63-year-old woman with WS is reported here. Biopsy confirmed moderately differentiated SCC. Surgical resection was performed and there was no recurrence or metastasis at the 3-year follow-up. Mutation analysis using next-generation sequencing, detected no mutations in the genes encoding the molecules strongly involved in the development of oral SCC, such as TP53 or PIK3CA. No obvious mutations were detected. Based on the results of the study, the results of mutation analysis suggest that this case might be genetically different from the common mechanisms of SCC in the oral cavity.     

Clinical and oral findings in an Afro‐Brazilian family with Gorlin‐Goltz syndrome: case series and literature review

Gorlin‐Goltz syndrome (GGS) seems to be unusual in black persons. The authors present an Afro‐Brazilian family case report of GGS. The main complaint of the index case was a painless swelling of the left mandible, which was diagnosed as an odontogenic keratocyst. Further classical features of the Syndrome were present in this patient. Other two family members were diagnosed as cases of GGS and one of them presented 11 clinical findings characteristic of the syndrome. From the three cases reported, two of them presented five major diagnostic criteria for the GGS, and the diagnosis was only made because of an oral complaint. This case series emphasizes the importance of carefully examining the patient and close relatives for signs of GGS, even if they belong to an ethnic group in which this diagnosis is unusual.     

Molecular basis of unilateral condylar hyperplasia?

Unilateral condylar hyperplasia (UCH) causes progressive asymmetry of the mandible. The aetiology of this growth disorder is unknown. A two-centre prospective study was established, and 10 consecutive adult UCH patients scheduled for high condylectomy were included. The resected condylar tissue was divided into two parts, one for regular histopathology and one for DNA extraction. A panel of eight selected overgrowth genes (AKT1, AKT3, MTOR, PIK3CA, PIK3R2, PTEN, TSC1, TSC2) were sequenced using next-generation sequencing, with coverage of a minimum 500 times in order to be able to detect low-grade mosaicisms. Subsequently, untargeted whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed to detect variants in other genes present in three or more patients. No mutation was detected in any of the overgrowth genes, and untargeted exome sequencing failed to detect any definitively causative variant in any other gene. Ten genes had a rare variant in three or more patients, but these cannot be designated as causative without additional functional studies. The hypothesis that the cause in at least some patients with UCH is a somatic mutation in a gene that controls cell growth could not be confirmed in this study.     

Genetische Unterschiede von Enzymen des Folsäurestoffwechsels bei Patienten mit Lippen-Kiefer-Gaumen-Spalten und ihren Angehörigen

Background. The effectiveness of folic acid supplementation in the periconceptional period for the prevention of cleft lip/cleft lip and palate (CLP) is contradictorily discussed. Genetically determined variants of enzymes of the folic acid metabolism could be part of the key to success or failure of folate supplementation. A mutation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene is suspected to be a risk factor for CLP. Methods. The blood samples of 66 CLP patients, their 88 relatives (without CLP), and 184 healthy controls were searched by polymerase chain reaction for mutations of MTHFR 677 C:T, MTHFR 1298 A :C and of the arylamine N-acetyltransferase (NAT1) gene [gene type NAT1°4 (wild type) or not]. Results. There was no significant difference in the number of MTHFR gene mutations (for 677 C:T and 1298 A :C) between the three groups (p~0.3), but for the NAT1 genes (p=0.033). The homozygote mutation was found more than twice as often in CLP patients (10.5%) and their relatives(10.6%) than in the healthy controls (4.35%). Discussion. Our results provide no evidence that the above MTHFR gene mutations are a risk factor for CLP. A NAT1 gene mutation instead could be a risk factor for CLP.     

Caries intensity and Streptococcus mutans in the saliva of patients with Turner syndrome

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the caries intensity and Streptococcus mutans (SM) counts in patients with Turner syndrome.Materials and methodsNineteen patients aged 20–40 years were clinically and cytogenetically diagnosed with Turner syndrome (45, X). The karyotype was determined by chromosome analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes. The control group comprised 47 healthy women aged 21–40 years. Both groups included non-smokers with no specific diet, such as a vegetarian or vegan diet, who were generally healthy with good oral hygiene and periodontal condition. Patients treated with antibiotics or steroid preparations in the past 6 months or with diseases or conditions that might affect the oral mucosal environment, such as disorders of salivary secretion and diabetes, were excluded from the study. Decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) scores and SM counts in saliva were determined.ResultsNo colony growth of SM was noticed in 53% of patients with Turner syndrome and 4.2% of controls (p < 0.001). Colony counts of SM ≥ 10⁵ in saliva were observed in none of the patients with Turner syndrome but in 66% of controls (p < 0.001). The mean DMFT score was 1.63 ± 2.52 in patients with Turner syndrome and 14.49 ± 6.88 in controls. Statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed (p < 0.05).ConclusionPatients with genetic disorders may have different severities of caries and SM counts in saliva compared to those without genetic disorders. Further studies on saliva properties and genes located on the X chromosome could contribute to determining the effect of the X chromosome on the pathological processes in the oral cavity.     

Prognostic significance of the methylation of Wnt pathway antagonists—CXXC4, DACT2, and the inhibitors of sonic hedgehog signaling—ZIC1, ZIC4, and HHIP in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas

Objectives

Aberrations in Wnt and Shh signaling pathways are related to the pathogenesis of head and neck carcinomas, and their activation frequently results from epigenetic alterations. This study aimed to assess the frequency of methylation of negative regulators of Wnt signaling: CXXC4, DACT2, HDPR1, and FBXW11 and Shh signaling: HHIP, PTCH1, SUFU, ZIC1, and ZIC4 and correlate it with clinicopathological features in this group of patients.

Materials and methods

Methylation-specific PCR was used to detect gene promoter methylation, and real-time PCR was used to assess gene expression level.

Results

The analysis of the occurrence of gene promoter methylation in head and neck carcinoma cell lines indicated that CXXC4, DACT2, HHIP, ZIC1, and ZIC4 are methylated in these tumors. These genes were further analyzed in tumor sections from oral and laryngeal cancer patients. Gene methylation rate was higher in laryngeal tumors. The methylation index in tumor samples correlated with the overall survival in a subgroup of oral cancer patients who died of the disease. Moreover, ZIC4 methylation correlated with lymph node involvement in oral cancer patients.

Conclusions

Our findings corroborate that the activation of Wnt signaling in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is related to epigenetic silencing of its negative regulators. Moreover, the results indicate that the same mechanism of activation may operate in the case of Shh signaling.

Clinical relevance

The methylation of ZIC4 may be considered a new prognostic marker in oral cavity and oropharyngeal tumors. Further investigations should determine the diagnostic significance of methylation of ZIC4, HHIP, and DACT2 in head and neck carcinomas.

     

PTCH1 and SMO gene alterations in keratocystic odontogenic tumors

Keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KCOTs, previously known as odontogenic keratocysts) are aggressive jaw lesions that may occur in isolation or in association with nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS). Mutations in the PTCH1 (PTCH) gene are responsible for NBCCS and are related in tumors associated with this syndrome. Mutations in the SMO gene have been identified in basal cell carcinoma and in medulloblastoma, both of which are features of NBCCS. To clarify the role of PTCH1 and SMO in KCOTs, we undertook mutational analysis of PTCH1 and SMO in 20 sporadic and 10 NBCCS-associated KCOTs, and for SMO, 20 additional cases of KCOTs with known PTCH1 status were also included. Eleven novel (1 of which occurred twice) and 5 known PTCH1 mutations were identified. However, no pathogenic mutation was detected in SMO. Our findings suggest that mutations are rare in SMO, but frequent in PTCH1 in sporadic and NBCCS-associated KCOTs. Abbreviations: NBCCS, nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome; KCOTs, keratocystic odontogenic tumors; BCCs, basal cell carcinomas.     

基底细胞痣综合征中国一家系致病相关基因连锁及突变分析

目的 揭示基底细胞痣综合征中国一个家系发病的分子遗传基础，为家系中的年轻患者实行早期监测和治疗。方法 首先选择家系中先证者和其患病母亲及家系中一名健康人，提取外周血DNA，聚合酶链反应（PCR）扩增PTCH基因编码氨基酸的23个外显子，对扩增产物进行DNA测序后；采用位于9q22．3-q31区的3个微卫星DNA标记对该家系行遗传连锁分析。结果 先证者患病母亲PTCH基因未发现突变；先证者（V4）14号外显子发生同义突变；连锁分析显示，在位点D9S283、D9S1690和D9S1677，Lod值＜-2（θ=0．00）。结论 排除了PTCH基因作为基底细胞痣综合征该家系致病基因的可能。     

Genetic background of nonsyndromic oligodontia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives

The goal of this work was to identify all known gene mutations that have been associated with the development of nonsyndromic oligodontia.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed electronically in two databases (PubMed, Medpilot) supplemented by a hand search. Articles published up to March 2012 were considered. Search terms were combined as follows: oligodontia and genes, oligodontia and mutations, tooth agenesis and genes, and tooth agenesis and mutations. A meta-analysis of the data was conducted based on the Tooth Agenesis Code (TAC).

Results

Seven genes are currently known to have a potential for causing nonsyndromic oligodontia. All these genes vary both in terms of number of identified mutations and in terms of number of documented patients: 33 mutations and 93 patients are on record for PAX9, 10 mutations and 51 patients for EDA, 12 mutations and 33 patients for MSX1, 6 mutations and 17 patients for AXIN2, and 1 mutation in 1 patient for EDARADD, NEMO, and KRT17 each. A total TAC score of 250 was found to have cutoff properties, as 100% of MSX1 and 80% of EDA patients exhibited TAC ≤250, whereas 96.9% of PAX9 and 90% of AXIN2 patients exhibited TAC >250. Furthermore, 94.3% of EDA patients but only 28.6% of MSX1 patients exhibited odd-numbered TAC scores in at least one quadrant, and 72.7% of PAX9 but none of the AXIN2 patients were found to show TAC scores of 112 in at least one quadrant.

Conclusion

In order of decreasing frequency, PAX9, EDA, MSX1, AXIN2, EDARADD, NEMO, and KRT17 are the seven genes currently known to have a potential for causing nonsyndromic oligodontia. TAC scores enabled us to identify an association between oligodontia phenotypes and genotypes in the patients covered by this meta-analysis.     

First bite syndrome after parotidectomy: a single-centre experience

The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of first bite syndrome (FBS) among post-parotidectomy patients and to analyse the risk factors for its occurrence. The study involved 111 adult patients operated for benign parotid tumours. After surgery, the participants were asked to assess the presence of food-related pain and the nature of the pain. Participants also answered questions on complications after parotidectomy. FBS was found in seven patients (6.3%). Sex (P = 0.036) and age (P = 0.002) differed significantly between patients with and without FBS. Female patients were found to be at higher risk of FBS, and the lower the patient’s age, the more likely FBS was to occur after surgery. Tumour location (P = 0.002) and the occurrence of disturbing symptoms before surgery (P = 0.009) had a statistically significant effect on the occurrence of FBS. A tendency towards significance for paresis of cranial nerve VII after surgery (P = 0.051) was found; this complication was more frequent in the FBS patients. FBS is a rare pain syndrome that can occur after parotidectomy and should be distinguished from postoperative pain. Proper diagnosis and implementation of the appropriate treatment can significantly improve patient quality of life.     

Gene mutations and chromosomal abnormalities in syndromes with tooth agenesis

This study aims to review the pathogenic mechanisms and clinical manifestations in syndromes with tooth agenesis (TA). Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man and PubMed databases were searched for a comprehensive review. Previous publications reported complicated aetiologies of syndromic TA. Gene mutations in conserved signalling pathways (WNT, EDA, SHH, FGF, and TGF-β/BMP) and crucial molecules (PAX9, PIXT2, IRF6, the p53 family, and subunits of RNA polymerase III) are the main causes of syndromic TA. In the process of odontogenesis, antagonistic or synergistic interactions are demonstrated in patients and murine models. Mutations in some genes (WNT10A, WNT10B, AXIN2, ANTXR1, MSX1, EDA, EDAR, and EDARADD) can result in both syndromic and isolated TA. In addition, chromosomal anomalies are also responsible for syndromic TA (Down syndrome, Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, Williams syndrome, and Pierre Robin sequence). The causes and manifestations of syndromic TA are highly complex, and this constitutes a clinical challenge. Mutations in signalling pathways and crucial molecules as well as chromosomal anomalies are responsible for syndromic TA. And there are overlaps between the causative genes of syndromic and isolated TA.