Microsatellite analysis of ING tumor suppressor genes in ameloblastoma

Ameloblastoma is the most common epithelial odontogenic tumor. Although benign, it shows locally aggressive behavior and frequent recurrences, which make ameloblastoma as an interesting topic for research. We sought to evaluate by microsatellite analysis, the involvement of ING TSGs in ameloblastoma and determine its clinicopathological significance. LOH analysis was performed in 38 ameloblastomas, using specifically designed microsatellite markers closely located to each ING gene and named as ING1MS, ING2MS, ING3MS, ING4MS, and ING5MS. Additionally, the marker D2S140 (ING5) was used. Recurrent cases showed higher percentage of allelic loss for most of the markers used. We conclude that LOH of ING TSGs appears to be a common genetic alteration in ameloblastoma. The occurrence of LOH in association with tumor type, tumor location and recurrence suggests the potential prognostic significance of ING family members in ameloblastoma, supporting the tumor suppressor character of these genes.