Establishment and characterization of a cell population derived from a dentigerous cyst

Background Dentigerous cyst occurs in approximately 20% of jaw cysts, being the second major common odontogenic cyst, after radicular cyst. This oral lesion has the ability to destroy maxillary bones and could be the origin of several odontogenic tumors. However, molecules implicated in its pathogenesis as well as those involved in its neoplastic transformation remain unknown. Here, we established a cell population derived from a dentigerous cyst as an in vitro model for the study of this oral lesion. Methods Cell culture was performed from a dentigerous cyst from a 44-years-old male. Cells were cultured at 37°C in DMEM/F12 medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. Expression of epithelial markers was analyzed by Western blot e immunofluorescence. Ultrastructural characterization was carried out by transmission electron microscopy. Conditioned media was obtained and characterized by zymography and Western blot. Results Cells showed spindle-shaped morphology, but they express epithelial markers, such as cytokeratins and the odontogenic ameloblast-associated protein. The ultrastructural analysis showed well-formed desmosomes present in adhering contiguous cells, confirming the epithelial lineage of this cell population. Cells also contain several vesicles adjacent to plasma membrane, suggesting an active secretion. Indeed, the analysis of the conditioned medium revealed the presence of several secreted proteins, among them the matrix metalloproteinase-2. Conclusions Our work provides a useful model to identify the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of dentigerous cyst. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.