ORAL PYOGENIC GRANULOMAS SHOW MAPK/ERK SIGNALING PATHWAY ACTIVATION, WHICH OCCURS INDEPENDENTLY OF BRAF AND RAS MUTATION

Introduction: Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a common nodular lesion with a prominent vascular component which may affect different sites. BRAF and RAS mutations were reported on a set of PGs of the skin. Objective: To evaluate the presence of BRAF and RAS mutations in PG. Study Design: The present study assessed the role of the MAPK/ERK pathway in oral PG pathogenesis. Mutations in hotspot regions of oncogenes components of the MAPK/ERK pathway were investigated by Sanger sequencing. The immunoexpression of phospho-ERK1/2 was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Oral PGs showed no mutations in the sequenced regions of the genes BRAF, KRAS, HRAS, and NRAS. Our results also showed that activation of MAPK/ERK pathway demonstrated phospho-ERK1/2 immunohistochemical positivity. Conclusion: In conclusion, although oral PG shows MAPK/ERK pathway activation, the driven molecular event remains to be elucidated.