The Role of Vimentin 3 in Ameloblastomas: A Novel Tumor Biomarker

Introduction Ameloblastoma (ABL), a common odontogenic tumor in the maxillofacial region, presents primarily as unicystic (U-ABL) and conventional (C-ABL) variants. Despite shared epithelial features, their distinct biological behaviors may stem from interactions between connective tissue and epithelial cells. Vimentin 3 (VIM3), a truncated variant of Vimentin-Full Length (VIMFL), exhibits unique biological properties. This study is the first to investigate VIM3 expression in ABLs. Methods Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples of C-ABL (n = 30), U-ABL (n = 30), and dental follicles (DF, n = 30) were analyzed. Immunohistochemical evaluation of VIM3, VIMFL, WNT5a, and MTCO1 was performed, alongside qRT-PCR for VIM3, VIMFL, WNT5a, ROR2, and miR-498. Results VIM3 expression was significantly higher in C-ABL (p < 0.0001) compared to U-ABL and DFs. VIMFL was absent in the epithelial components of all cases. C-ABL showed significantly higher WNT5a (p < 0.0001) and MTCO1 (p = 0.0327) expression. qRT-PCR revealed significant differences in VIM3 and miR-498 levels between U-ABL and DFs (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were found for WNT5a, VIMFL, or ROR2 (p > 0.05). Conclusion This study identifies VIM3 expression in ABLs, distinct from VIMFL, suggesting its potential as a biomarker. Additionally, mitochondrial dysfunction may play a role in ABL tumorigenesis.