To clarify the role of p53 homologs in oncogenesis and cytodifferentiation of odontogenic lesions, expression of p53, p73 was analyzed in tooth germs, dentigerous cyst and ameloblastomas. Materials and methods: Tissue specimens of twenty tooth germs, twenty dentigerous cyst and twenty ameloblastomas were examined by immunohistochemistry for the expression of p53, p73. Immunohistochemistry test was performed using Peroxidase Detection System. Results: p53 expression was noted significantly higher in Ameloblastoma as compared to Dentigerous cyst and Tooth germ. P53 expression was significantly higher in tooth germ than dentigerous cyst. The expression of p73 was noted significantly higher in tooth germ as compared to Ameloblastoma and dentigerous cyst. p73 expression was significantly higher in ameloblastoma than dentigerous cyst. All three are independent markers i.e. all are expressed irrespective of the other in various groups. The expression of p53, p73 suggests that all these are independent biological markers with differential expression in all the groups. Variations of predominantly expressed isoforms suggest that p53, p73 might differentially function in odontogenic tissues. Thus, it can be hypothesized that p53 may be used as cell proliferation marker in odontogenic lesions, p73 may play an important role in cytodifferentiation and proliferation.
