Odontogenic myxomas are not associated with activating mutations of the Gs alpha gene.

BACKGROUND

Myxoma is a rare bone tumor of the mandible and maxillary sinus whose etiology and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Mutations that inhibit the GTPase activity of the a subunit of the stimulating G protein (Gsa) have been demonstrated in the myocardium of patients with McCune-Albright syndrome. The histopathological similarities shared by cardiac and jaw myxomas coupled with the paucity of reported candidate genes involved in jaw tumor pathogenesis, prompted us to investigate for the presence of gsp mutations in 23 sporadic jaw myxomas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the appropriate genomic fragments, followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis.

RESULTS

No gsp mutations could be demonstrated in any of tumors analyzed, while the technique has a proven capability to detect these specific mutations.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that mutations of the Gs alpha gene rarely, if ever, are associated with sporadic jaw myxomas tumorigenesis.