Evaluation of the Prognostic Role of SOX2 as a Tumor Stem Cell Marker in Odontogenic Cysts and Tumors

The pathogenesis of odontogenic lesions remains unclear; however, a probable explanation may involve the existence of tumor stem cells (TSCs), which are thought to generate both benign and malignant tumors. The preservation of stem cells during early dental development is governed by many transcription factors, including sex-determining region Y (SRY)-box 2 (SOX-2). Numerous studies observed the increased expression of SOX2 in various benign and malignant tumors, as its impact on tumorigenesis varies according to tumor type. The purpose of this study is to assess the immunoexpression of the stem cell marker SOX2 in diverse types of odontogenic cysts and tumors in order to identify its prognostic significance and to show if it correlates to clinicopathologic parameters of those odontogenic lesions.