Advancements in MAPK signaling pathways and MAPK-targeted therapies for ameloblastoma: A review

Numerous signal transduction pathways are closely associated with the occurrence, development, and prognosis of ameloblastoma (AM). Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase that transduces intracellular signals in critical cellular phenomena. A number of recent analyses have reported that the MAPK signaling pathway contributes significantly to AM. High-throughput DNA sequencing methods, such as next-generation sequencing using Illumina have yielded advancements in studies on MAPK signaling pathways and their association with AM; in particular, BRAF V600E is mediated by the activation of the Ras/Raf/MAPK pathway. This review discusses advancements in studies on MAPK signaling pathways and MAPK-targeted inhibitors or antibodies, along with the merits and demerits of MAPK-targeted therapies, finally followed by a discussion regarding more efficient potential MAPK-targeted therapies to treat AM with few side effects, thereby providing novel insights into targeted therapy for AM.