Odontogenic myxomas are not associated with activating mutations of the Gsalpha gene

Background: Myxoma is a rare bone tumor of the mandible and maxillary sinus whose etiology and underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. Mutatio ns that inhibit the GTPase activity of the a subunit of the stimulating G p rotein (Gsa) have been demonstrated in the myocardium of patients with McCu ne-Albright syndrome. The histopathological similarities shared by cardiac and jaw myxomas coupled with the paucity of reported candidate genes involv ed in jaw armor pathogenesis, prompted us to investigate for the presence o f gsp mutations in 23 sporadic jaw myxomas. Materials and methods: We used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify the appropriate genomic frag ments, followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis. Results: No gsp mutations could be demonstrated in any of tumors analyzed, while the technique has a proven capability to detect these specific mutat ions. Conclusions: We conclude that mutations of the Gs alpha gene rarely, if ever, are associated with sporadic jaw myxomas tumorigenesis.