Thesis (M.S.)--University of Missouri--Rolla, 2007. / Vita. The entire thesis text is included in file. Title from title screen of thesis/dissertation PDF file (viewed February 6, 2008) Includes bibliographical references (p. 36).

The overall aim of this project was first to investigate the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms underlying periodontal diseases and oral squamous cell carcinomas respectively, particularly in terms of competing endogenous RNA networks. Second, the aim was to explore the possible shared mechanisms between chronic periodontitis and oral squamous cell carcinoma regarding mRNAs, miRNAs, and signaling pathways. The results obtained from the first two publications may point to putative diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for periodontal diseases and oral cancer respectively. The third and final publication aimed to reveal overlapping molecular mechanisms underlying both diseases that may bear translational value toward screening of the periodontitis patients with a high risk of oral cancer. In theory, if successful, such biomarkers based on screening may lead to the clinical application of tailored periodontal maintenance programs for high-risk individuals, including environmental factor mitigation. Such interceptive therapy could potentially reduce the risk of oral carcinogenesis.:1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 1 1.1 General aspects of periodontitis and oral squamous cell carcinoma.......................... 1 1.1.1 General aspects of periodontitis.......................................................................... 1 1.1.2 General aspects of oral squamous cell carcinoma .............................................. 2 1.1.3 The association of chronic periodontitis and oral squamous cell carcinoma...... 3 1.2 Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of oral diseases ...................................................... 4 1.2.1 General aspects of various genetic and epigenetic factors........................................ 4 1.2.2 Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of chronic periodontitis................................... 5 1.2.2.1 Alteration of mRNA gene expression in chronic periodontitis.......................... 5 1.2.2.2 Alteration of miRNA expression in chronic periodontitis ................................. 7 1.2.2.3 Alteration of lncRNA expression in chronic periodontitis................................. 7 1.2.2.4 Alteration of signaling pathway in chronic periodontitis................................... 8 1.2.3 Genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of oral squamous cell carcinoma .................... 9 1.2.3.1 Alteration of mRNA gene expression of oral squamous cell carcinoma ........... 9 1.2.3.2 Alteration of miRNA expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma................... 9 1.2.3.3 Alteration of lncRNA expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma ................ 10 1.2.3.4 Alteration of signaling pathway involved in oral squamous cell carcinoma ... 11 1.2.4 The shared genetic and epigenetic mechanisms between chronic periodontitis and oral squamous cell carcinoma.......................................................................................... 12 1.2.4.1 Genes as links between chronic periodontitis and oral squamous cell carcinoma ..................................................................................................................................... 12 1.2.4.2 miRNAs as links between chronic periodontitis and oral squamous cell carcinoma..................................................................................................................... 12 1.2.4.3 lncRNAs as links between chronic periodontitis and oral squamous cell carcinoma..................................................................................................................... 15 1.2.4.4 Signaling pathways as links between chronic periodontitis and oral squamous cell carcinoma .............................................................................................................. 15 1.3 Rationale of the current project ..................................................................................... 16 2 Objectives of the current project .......................................................................................... 18 2.1 General objective........................................................................................................... 18 2.2 Specific objectives......................................................................................................... 18 3 Publications .......................................................................................................................... 19 4 Summary of dissertation....................................................................................................... 49 5 References ............................................................................................................................ 53 6 Presentation of my own contribution ................................................................................... 63 6.1 Publication I................................................................................................................... 636.2 Publication II ................................................................................................................. 65 6.3 Publication III................................................................................................................ 67 7 Declaration of Authorship .................................................................................................... 69 8 Curriculum Vitae.................................................................................................................. 70 9 Acknowledgement................................................................................................................ 72