The oral mycobiome: Oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma. (11th April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Theofilou, Vasileios Ionas; Alfaifi, Areej; Montelongo‐Jauregui, Daniel; Pettas, Efstathios; Georgaki, Maria; Nikitakis, Nikolaos G.; Jabra‐Rizk, Mary‐Ann; Sultan, Ahmed S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of oral pathology & medicine. Volume 51:Number 5(2022)
• Page Start: 413
• Page End: 420
• Publication Date: 2022-04-11
• Subjects: Candida -- chronic hyperplastic candidosis -- mycobiome -- oral epithelial dysplasia -- oral squamous cell carcinoma; Dentistry -- Periodicals; Teeth -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 617
• DOI: 10.1111/jop.13295
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0904-2512

Abstract

Abstract: Fungi, a diverse group of eukaryotic organisms, play distinct roles in health and disease. Recent advances in the field of mycobiology have enabled the characterization of the "human mycobiome." The human mycobiome has extensively been studied in various disease models. However, to date, the role of the oral mycobiome in oral carcinogenesis has yet to be elucidated. Candida albicans, the most common oral colonizer, has been speculated to display tumorigenic effects; however, the literature lacks consistent documentation from mechanistic studies on whether oral mycobiota act as drivers, facilitators, or passive colonizers of oral premalignancy and cancer. This review article provides an overview of existing hypothesis‐driven mechanistic models that outline the complex interplay between the oral mycobiome and oral epithelial dysplasia as well as their potential clinical implications.