Matrix metalloproteinases, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases, and growth factors regulate the aggressiveness and proliferative activity of keratocystic odontogenic tumors

MMP-9, TIMP-2, EGF and transforming growth factor α act together and likely regulate the proliferation and aggressiveness of KOT. ERK-1/2 serves as the transducer of signals generated by these proteins, which signal through the common receptor, EGFR. This process may be related to the increased proliferation and aggressiveness observed in KOT.