Ameloblastoma induces osteoclastogenesis: a possible role of ameloblastoma in expanding in the bone

Ameloblastoma, a tumor located in bone, when neglected, can perforate the bone and, ultimately, spread into the soft tissues. To expand in the bone, ameloblastoma must have a mechanism of resorbing the surrounding bone. However, the mechanism for bone resorption is poorly understood. In the present study, we found that RANKL and TNFα were expressed and secreted by ameloblastoma cells, and was proven to induce osteoclastogenesis. Our present results also showed that phosphorylation of p38, SAPK, p44/42 and Akt were upregulated under treatment of 10×CM (concentrated conditioned media of AM-1 cells). We also noticed formation of resorption lacunae on dentin slice by 10×CM-induced osteoclast-like MNCs. These results suggested that ameloblastoma by secreting RANKL and TNFα could induce osteoclastogenesis.