COMPARATIVE PROTEOGENOMIC ANALYSIS BETWEEN BENIGN SALIVARY GLAND NEOPLASMS SHOWING MYOEPITHELIAL DIFFERENTIATION

Abstract

Benign salivary gland tumors are the most frequent salivary neoplasms in this topography, representing a diagnostic challenge due to their morphological heterogeneity and similarity. Currently, they are classified according to their morphogenesis, which takes into account their differentiation profile and cellular organization, according to the presence of luminal cells and myoepithelial and/or basal abluminal cells. Among the tumors that have myoepithelial differentiation in their morphology are pleomorphic adenoma (PA), basal cell adenoma (BCA), and myoepithelioma (ME). The AP represents the most frequent salivary gland tumor and has chances of recurrence after surgical treatment, and may also undergo malignant transformation to carcinoma ex-pleomorphic adenoma (CXAP). ACB and ME are rare tumors that are still poorly understood from a genomic and proteomic point of view by the literature. In this study, we will investigate, in a pioneering way, a comparative proteogenomic analysis of PA, ACB, and ME, integrating and validating data from whole-exome sequencing through proteomic evaluation by mass spectrometry. We hope to elucidate and compare the proteogenomic profile involved in the development of AP, ACB, and ME, as well as to provide information on diagnostic markers, pathogenesis, and tumor target therapy, which will reflect in tools for clinical application and benefit of future patients affected by these neoplasms.