151
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Malaguarnera R, Chen KY, Kim TY, Dominguez JM, Voza F, Ouyang B, Vundavalli SK, Knauf JA, Fagin JA. Switch in signaling control of mTORC1 activity after oncoprotein expression in thyroid cancer cell lines. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:E1976-87. [PMID: 25029414 PMCID: PMC4184069 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-3976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Thyroid growth is regulated by TSH and requires mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Thyroid cancers frequently exhibit mutations in MAPK and/or phosphoinositol-3-kinase-related kinase effectors. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to explore the contribution of RET/PTC, RAS, and BRAF to mTOR regulation and response to mTOR inhibitors. METHODS PCCL3 cells conditionally expressing RET/PTC3, HRAS(G12V), or BRAF(V600E) and human thyroid cancer cells harboring mutations of these genes were used to test pathways controlling mTOR and its requirement for growth. RESULTS TSH/cAMP-induced growth of PCCL3 cells requires mTOR, which is stimulated via protein kinase A in a MAPK kinase (MEK)- and AKT-independent manner. Expression of RET/PTC3, HRAS(G12V), or BRAF(V600E) in PCCL3 cells induces mTOR but does not entirely abrogate the cAMP-mediated control of its activity. Acute oncoprotein-induced mTOR activity is regulated by MEK and AKT, albeit to differing degrees. By contrast, mTOR was not activated by TSH/cAMP in human thyroid cancer cells. Tumor genotype did not predict the effects of rapamycin or the mTOR kinase inhibitor AZD8055 on growth, with the exception of a PTEN-null cell line. Selective blockade of MEK did not influence mTOR activity of BRAF or RAS mutant cells. Combined MEK and mTOR kinase inhibition was synergistic on growth of BRAF- and RAS-mutant thyroid cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION Thyroid cancer cells lose TSH/cAMP dependency of mTOR signaling and cell growth. mTOR activity is not decreased by the MEK or AKT inhibitors in the RAS or BRAF human thyroid cancer cell lines. This may account for the augmented effects of combining the mTOR inhibitors with selective antagonists of these oncogenic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Malaguarnera
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program (R.M., K.-Y.C., T.-Y.K., J.M.D., F.V., S.K.V., J.A.K., J.A.F.) and Department of Medicine (J.A.K., J.A.F.), Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065; and Division of Endocrinology (B.O.), University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267
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152
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Abstract
Thyroid nodules are common, and the accurate diagnosis of cancer or benign disease is important for the effective clinical management of patients. Molecular markers are a helpful diagnostic tool, particularly for cytologically indeterminate thyroid nodules. In the past few years, significant progress has been made in developing molecular markers for clinical use in fine-needle aspiration specimens, including gene mutation panels and gene expression classifiers. With the availability of next generation sequencing technology, gene mutation panels can be expanded to interrogate multiple genes simultaneously and to provide yet more accurate diagnostic information. In addition, recently several new molecular markers of thyroid cancer have been identified that offer diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic information that might be of value in guiding individualized management of patients with thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan J Hsiao
- Division of Molecular and Genomic PathologyDepartment of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3477 Euler Way, Room 8031, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
| | - Yuri E Nikiforov
- Division of Molecular and Genomic PathologyDepartment of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3477 Euler Way, Room 8031, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
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153
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Gandolfi G, de Biase D, Sancisi V, Ragazzi M, Acquaviva G, Pession A, Piana S, Tallini G, Ciarrocchi A. Deep sequencing of KIT, MET, PIK3CA, and PTEN hotspots in papillary thyroid carcinomas with distant metastases. Endocr Relat Cancer 2014; 21:L23-6. [PMID: 25142162 DOI: 10.1530/erc-14-0361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Greta Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Translational ResearchArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSViale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Pharmacology and Biotechnology (FaBiT)University of Bologna, 40139BolognaItalyPathology Unit, Department of OncologyArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSReggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Medicine (DIMES) - Anatomic Pathology UnitBellaria Hospital, University of Bologna40139, BolognaItaly
| | - Dario de Biase
- Laboratory of Translational ResearchArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSViale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Pharmacology and Biotechnology (FaBiT)University of Bologna, 40139BolognaItalyPathology Unit, Department of OncologyArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSReggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Medicine (DIMES) - Anatomic Pathology UnitBellaria Hospital, University of Bologna40139, BolognaItaly Laboratory of Translational ResearchArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSViale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Pharmacology and Biotechnology (FaBiT)University of Bologna, 40139BolognaItalyPathology Unit, Department of OncologyArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSReggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Medicine (DIMES) - Anatomic Pathology UnitBellaria Hospital, University of Bologna40139, BolognaItaly
| | - Valentina Sancisi
- Laboratory of Translational ResearchArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSViale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Pharmacology and Biotechnology (FaBiT)University of Bologna, 40139BolognaItalyPathology Unit, Department of OncologyArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSReggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Medicine (DIMES) - Anatomic Pathology UnitBellaria Hospital, University of Bologna40139, BolognaItaly
| | - Moira Ragazzi
- Laboratory of Translational ResearchArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSViale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Pharmacology and Biotechnology (FaBiT)University of Bologna, 40139BolognaItalyPathology Unit, Department of OncologyArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSReggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Medicine (DIMES) - Anatomic Pathology UnitBellaria Hospital, University of Bologna40139, BolognaItaly
| | - Giorgia Acquaviva
- Laboratory of Translational ResearchArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSViale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Pharmacology and Biotechnology (FaBiT)University of Bologna, 40139BolognaItalyPathology Unit, Department of OncologyArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSReggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Medicine (DIMES) - Anatomic Pathology UnitBellaria Hospital, University of Bologna40139, BolognaItaly
| | - Annalisa Pession
- Laboratory of Translational ResearchArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSViale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Pharmacology and Biotechnology (FaBiT)University of Bologna, 40139BolognaItalyPathology Unit, Department of OncologyArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSReggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Medicine (DIMES) - Anatomic Pathology UnitBellaria Hospital, University of Bologna40139, BolognaItaly
| | - Simonetta Piana
- Laboratory of Translational ResearchArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSViale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Pharmacology and Biotechnology (FaBiT)University of Bologna, 40139BolognaItalyPathology Unit, Department of OncologyArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSReggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Medicine (DIMES) - Anatomic Pathology UnitBellaria Hospital, University of Bologna40139, BolognaItaly
| | - Giovanni Tallini
- Laboratory of Translational ResearchArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSViale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Pharmacology and Biotechnology (FaBiT)University of Bologna, 40139BolognaItalyPathology Unit, Department of OncologyArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSReggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Medicine (DIMES) - Anatomic Pathology UnitBellaria Hospital, University of Bologna40139, BolognaItaly
| | - Alessia Ciarrocchi
- Laboratory of Translational ResearchArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSViale Risorgimento 80, Reggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Pharmacology and Biotechnology (FaBiT)University of Bologna, 40139BolognaItalyPathology Unit, Department of OncologyArcispedale S. Maria Nuova - IRCCSReggio Emilia, 42123ItalyDepartment of Medicine (DIMES) - Anatomic Pathology UnitBellaria Hospital, University of Bologna40139, BolognaItaly
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154
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Abstract
Thyroid carcinoma is the most common endocrine malignancy, and its incidence is continuing to increase. Most thyroid carcinomas contain one of several known driver mutations, such as the Val600Glu substitution in B-Raf, Ras mutations, RET gene fusions, or PAX8-PPARG gene fusions. The PAX8-PPARG gene fusion results in the production of a Pax-8-PPAR-γ fusion protein (PPFP), which is found in approximately one-third of follicular thyroid carcinomas, as well as some follicular-variant papillary thyroid carcinomas. In vitro and in vivo evidence indicates that PPFP is an oncoprotein. Although specific mechanisms of action remain to be defined, PPFP is considered to act as a dominant-negative inhibitor of wild-type PPAR-γ and/or as a unique transcriptional activator of subsets of PPAR-γ-responsive and Pax-8-responsive genes. Detection of the fusion transcript in thyroid nodule biopsy specimens can aid clinical decision-making when cytological findings are indeterminate. The PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone is highly therapeutic in a transgenic mouse model of PPFP-positive thyroid carcinoma, suggesting that PPAR-γ agonists might be beneficial in patients with PPFP-positive thyroid carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyadarshini Raman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, 5560 MSRB-2, SPC 5678, 1150 West Medical Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Ronald J Koenig
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, 5560 MSRB-2, SPC 5678, 1150 West Medical Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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155
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Mincione G, Tarantelli C, Vianale G, Di Marcantonio MC, Cotellese R, Francomano F, Di Nicola M, Costantini E, Cichella A, Muraro R. Mutual regulation of TGF-β1, TβRII and ErbB receptors expression in human thyroid carcinomas. Exp Cell Res 2014; 327:24-36. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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156
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YI HEQING, LONG BIN, YE XUEMEI, ZHANG LIJUN, LIU XIAODONG, ZHANG CHUNYAN. Autophagy: A potential target for thyroid cancer therapy (Review). Mol Clin Oncol 2014; 2:661-665. [PMID: 25054028 PMCID: PMC4106736 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2014.305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The sharply increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has attracted considerable attention over the last few years. The combination of surgery, radioiodine ablation and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression is usually efficient for the majority of thyroid tumors. However, advanced thyroid cancer that is recurrent, metastatic and 131I-refractory, or medullary thyroid cancer, pose a therapeutic challenge. Autophagy is a process that metabolizes damaged cytoplasmic organelles and long-lived proteins in order to recycle cellular materials and maintain homeostasis. It has been confirmed that autophagy plays a dual role during cancer development, progression and treatment, mainly depending on the type and stage of the tumor. Autophagy modulation has become a potential therapeutic target for diverse diseases. The mechanism of thyroid tumorigenesis and cancer progression was largely demonstrated to be correlated with the dysregulation of the Ras/Raf/mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin pathways, as well as with abnormal epigenetic modifications. Those mechanisms are associated with autophagy regulation and may be beneficial for the treatment of advanced thyroid cancer. However, the number of available studies on the role of autophagy in thyroid cancer development, progression and treatment outcome, is currently limited. The aim of this review was to elaborate on the relevant knowledge and future prospectives of autophagy in the treatment of thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- HEQING YI
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - BIN LONG
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - XUEMEI YE
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - LIJUN ZHANG
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
| | - XIAODONG LIU
- Key Laboratory of Radiobiology (Ministry of Health), School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | - CHUNYAN ZHANG
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310022, P.R. China
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157
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Ragazzi M, Ciarrocchi A, Sancisi V, Gandolfi G, Bisagni A, Piana S. Update on anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: morphological, molecular, and genetic features of the most aggressive thyroid cancer. Int J Endocrinol 2014; 2014:790834. [PMID: 25214840 PMCID: PMC4158294 DOI: 10.1155/2014/790834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer. It shows a wide spectrum of morphological presentations and the diagnosis could be challenging due to its high degree of dedifferentiation. Molecular and genetic features of ATC are widely heterogeneous as well and many efforts have been made to find a common profile in order to clarify its cancerogenetic process. A comprehensive review of the current literature is here performed, focusing on histopathological and genetic features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moira Ragazzi
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS-Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Alessia Ciarrocchi
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Research and Statistic Infrastructure, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova-IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Valentina Sancisi
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Research and Statistic Infrastructure, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova-IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Greta Gandolfi
- Laboratory of Translational Research, Research and Statistic Infrastructure, Arcispedale S. Maria Nuova-IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bisagni
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS-Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Simonetta Piana
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS-Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Viale Risorgimento 80, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
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158
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Concomitant PIK3CA amplification and RASSF1A or PAX6 hypermethylation predict worse survival in gastric cancer. Clin Biochem 2014. [PMID: 24505629 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2013.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A large number of genetic and epigenetic alterations have been found in gastric cancer, but there is remarkably little consensus on the value of individual biomarker in diagnosis and prognosis of this cancer. This study was designed to illustrate the value of PIK3CA amplification in combination with promoter methylation of RASSF1A and PAX6 genes in early diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer. DESIGN AND METHODS Using real-time quantitative PCR, quantitative methylation-specific PCR (Q-MSP), and methylation-specific PCR (MSP) assays, we examined PIK3CA amplification and promoter methylation of RASSF1A and PAX6 genes in a cohort of gastric cancers, and explored the association of various (epi)genotypes with clinical outcomes of gastric cancer patients. RESULTS We demonstrated that PIK3CA gene was specifically amplified in gastric cancers, but not in normal gastric tissues. Moreover, frequent methylation of RASSF1A and PAX6 was also found in gastric cancers. Given the patients harboring diverse (epi)genotypes, we thus investigated the effect of various (epi)genotypes on poor prognosis in gastric cancer. The data showed that concomitant PIK3CA amplification and RASSF1A or PAX6 methylation were closely associated with poor clinical outcomes, particularly survival, as compared to other (epi)genotypes in gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS We found frequent PIK3CA amplification and promoter methylation of RASSF1A and PAX6 genes in gastric cancers, and demonstrated that concomitant PIK3CA amplification and promoter methylation in any one of these two genes were significantly associated with worse survival in gastric cancer. Collectively, such (epi)genotypes may be strong and independent poor prognostic factors for gastric cancer patients.
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159
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Jang EK, Song DE, Sim SY, Kwon H, Choi YM, Jeon MJ, Han JM, Kim WG, Kim TY, Shong YK, Kim WB. NRAS codon 61 mutation is associated with distant metastasis in patients with follicular thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid 2014; 24:1275-81. [PMID: 24820091 PMCID: PMC4106375 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2014.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Known factors related to distant metastases in follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) included age, primary tumor size, and invasiveness. Distant metastasis is a main cause of death in FTC patients. Several studies showed that the presence of RAS mutations is also associated with poor clinical outcomes. We analyzed RAS mutations in FTC with distant metastases, FTC without a distant metastasis, follicular adenoma (FA), and nodular hyperplasia (NH). Furthermore, we elucidated the relationship between RAS mutations and clinical outcomes in FTC patients. METHODS We selected patients who underwent a thyroidectomy for FTC with distant metastases (n=28), size matched FTC specimens without a distant metastasis (n=28), FA (n=17), and NH (n=12). NRAS, HRAS, and KRAS mutations were assessed using direct sequencing. RESULTS Among 85 patients, 39 patients (46%) had RAS mutations. The NRAS codon 61 mutation (n=21; 25%) was the most common point mutation. HRAS codon 61, KRAS codon 12/13, and KRAS codon 61 mutations were found in 7, 6, and 4 patients, respectively. A NRAS codon 12/13 mutation was found in only 1 patient, and a HRAS codon 12/13 mutation was not found. RAS mutations were significantly more common in the FTC than FA or NH groups. Especially, the NRAS codon 61 mutation was associated with distant metastasis in patients with FTC. CONCLUSIONS The presence of a RAS mutation, especially a NRAS codon 61 mutation, was significantly associated with the distant metastasis. The NRAS codon 61 mutation status might be a potential prognostic factor in FTC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Kyung Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Eun Song
- Department of Pathology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - So Young Sim
- Asan Institute for Life Science, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyemi Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yun Mi Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Ji Jeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ji Min Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Gu Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Yong Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Kee Shong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won Bae Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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160
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Evaluation of PTEN, PI3K, MTOR, and KRAS expression and their clinical and prognostic relevance to differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Contemp Oncol (Pozn) 2014; 18:234-40. [PMID: 25258580 PMCID: PMC4171472 DOI: 10.5114/wo.2014.43803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Revised: 11/08/2013] [Accepted: 02/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim of the study Important signalling pathways play fundamental roles in the pathogenesis of thyroid carcinoma (TC). PTEN, mTOR, PI3K-p85 and K-Ras are the principal factors involved in these signalling pathways. To immunohistochemically examine the expressions of PI3K, mTOR and PTEN in patients suffering from follicular TC, papillary TC or variants thereof, as well as to investigate KRAS mutations via PCR to determine their clinical and prognostic relevance to differentiated thyroid cancer. Material and methods The expression of PTEN, PI3K-p85 and mTOR was immunohistochemically examined, and the mutation of K-Ras was examined via PCR. The results obtained were compared to the clinico-pathologic characteristics of the patients. Results A significant correlation was found between p85 expression and lymphovascular invasions and between PTEN expression and multifocality (p = 0.048 and p = 0.04, respectively), and a correlation between p85 and capsular invasion was found, with a borderline statistical significance (p = 0.056). No expression of PTEN, p85 or Mtor was detected in normal tissue. K-Ras mutation was examined in 66 of the 101 patients (57.4%), and the percentage of patients exhibiting a K-Ras mutation was 17.4%. All of the patients exhibiting a K-Ras mutation were women (p = 0.047). The disease-free survival was 44.6 months (95% CI: 37.9–51.3) and was statistically significantly higher in the group that displayed level 1 or lower expression of p85 (p = 0.043). Conclusions The expression levels of the aforementioned markers were significantly higher in TC cells than in normal tissue. A significant correlation was detected between K-Ras mutation and gender. This study demonstrates that p85 and PTEN are markers that should be evaluated in further studies of TC.
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161
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Hall RD, Kudchadkar RR. BRAF Mutations: Signaling, Epidemiology, and Clinical Experience in Multiple Malignancies. Cancer Control 2014; 21:221-30. [DOI: 10.1177/107327481402100307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Richard D. Hall
- Hematology Oncology Fellowship Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Ragini R. Kudchadkar
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
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162
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Kushchayeva Y, Jensen K, Burman KD, Vasko V. Repositioning therapy for thyroid cancer: new insights on established medications. Endocr Relat Cancer 2014; 21:R183-94. [PMID: 24446492 DOI: 10.1530/erc-13-0473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Repositioning of established non-cancer pharmacotherapeutic agents with well-known activity and side-effect profiles is a promising avenue for the development of new treatment modalities for multiple cancer types. We have analyzed some of the medications with mechanism of action that may have relevance to thyroid cancer (TC). Experimental in vitro and in vivo evidences, as well as results of clinical studies, have indicated that molecular targets for medications currently available for the treatment of mood disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, metabolic disorders, and diabetes may be active and relevant in TC. For instance, the derivatives of cannabis and an anti-diabetic agent, metformin, both are able to inhibit ERK, which is commonly activated in TC cells. We present here several examples of well-known medications that have the potential to become new therapeutics for patients with TC. Repositioning of established medications for the treatment of TC could broaden the scope of current therapeutic strategies. These diverse treatment choices could allow physicians to provide an individualized approach to optimize treatment for patients with TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yevgeniya Kushchayeva
- Department of Pediatrics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4712, USA Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Washington Hospital Center, 110 Irving Street Northwest, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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163
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An update on molecular biology of thyroid cancers. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2014; 90:233-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2013.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2013] [Revised: 10/27/2013] [Accepted: 12/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
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164
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Update on the molecular diagnosis and targeted therapy of thyroid cancer. Med Oncol 2014; 31:973. [PMID: 24788398 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-014-0973-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/18/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy with steadily increasing incidence over the past few decades. Although standard strategies for the management of TC offer optimal outcomes in TC patients with favorable histological types at early stage, challenges arising from diagnosis and therapy still exist during clinical practice. A number of genetic alterations have been described in thyroid cancer, which provides an unprecedented opportunity for the identification of novel diagnostic and prognostic molecular markers as well as novel therapeutic targets. Molecular-targeted therapies, which have been investigated recently with increasing success, may prove to be a breakthrough in patients with advanced, radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancers. This review summarizes the latest progression in molecular diagnosis and targeted therapy of TC.
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165
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Vu-Phan D, Koenig RJ. Genetics and epigenetics of sporadic thyroid cancer. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 386:55-66. [PMID: 23933154 PMCID: PMC3867574 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 07/31/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid carcinoma is the most common endocrine malignancy, and although the disease generally has an excellent prognosis, therapeutic options are limited for patients not cured by surgery and radioiodine. Thyroid carcinomas commonly contain one of a small number of recurrent genetic mutations. The identification and study of these mutations has led to a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of this disease and is providing new approaches to diagnosis and therapy. Papillary thyroid carcinomas usually contain an activating mutation in the RAS cascade, most commonly in BRAF and less commonly in RAS itself or through gene fusions that activate RET. A chromosomal translocation that results in production of a PAX8-PPARG fusion protein is found in follicular carcinomas. Anaplastic carcinomas may contain some of the above changes as well as additional mutations. Therapies that are targeted to these mutations are being used in patient care and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dang Vu-Phan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Ronald J Koenig
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Vanden Borre P, McFadden DG, Gunda V, Sadow PM, Varmeh S, Bernasconi M, Jacks T, Parangi S. The next generation of orthotopic thyroid cancer models: immunocompetent orthotopic mouse models of BRAF V600E-positive papillary and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma. Thyroid 2014; 24:705-14. [PMID: 24295207 PMCID: PMC3993062 DOI: 10.1089/thy.2013.0483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the development of new treatments for aggressive thyroid cancer has advanced in the last 10 years, progress has trailed headways made with other malignancies. A lack of reliable authenticated human cell lines and reproducible animal models is one major roadblock to preclinical testing of novel therapeutics. Existing xenograft and orthotopic mouse models of aggressive thyroid cancer rely on the implantation of highly passaged human thyroid carcinoma lines in immunodeficient mice. Genetically engineered models of papillary and undifferentiated (anaplastic) thyroid carcinoma (PTC and ATC) are immunocompetent; however, slow and stochastic tumor development hinders high-throughput testing. Novel models of PTC and ATC in which tumors arise rapidly and synchronously in immunocompetent mice would facilitate the investigation of novel therapeutics and approaches. METHODS We characterized and utilized mouse cell lines derived from PTC and ATC tumors arising in genetically engineered mice with thyroid-specific expression of endogenous Braf(V600E/WT) and deletion of either Trp53 (p53) or Pten. These murine thyroid cancer cells were transduced with luciferase- and GFP-expressing lentivirus and implanted into the thyroid glands of immunocompetent syngeneic B6129SF1/J mice in which the growth characteristics were assessed. RESULTS Large locally aggressive thyroid tumors form within one week of implantation. Tumors recapitulate their histologic subtype, including well-differentiated PTC and ATC, and exhibit CD3+, CD8+, B220+, and CD163+ immune cell infiltration. Tumor progression can be followed in vivo using luciferase and ex vivo using GFP. Metastatic spread is not detected at early time points. CONCLUSIONS We describe the development of the next generation of murine orthotopic thyroid cancer models. The implantation of genetically defined murine BRAF-mutated PTC and ATC cell lines into syngeneic mice results in rapid and synchronous tumor formation. This model allows for preclinical investigation of novel therapeutics and/or therapeutic combinations in the context of a functional immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Vanden Borre
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - David G. McFadden
- Thyroid Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Viswanath Gunda
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Peter M. Sadow
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shohreh Varmeh
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maria Bernasconi
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tyler Jacks
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Sareh Parangi
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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167
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Sosonkina N, Starenki D, Park JI. The Role of STAT3 in Thyroid Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2014; 6:526-44. [PMID: 24662939 PMCID: PMC3980610 DOI: 10.3390/cancers6010526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 02/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy and its global incidence rates are rapidly increasing. Although the mortality of thyroid cancer is relatively low, its rate of recurrence or persistence is relatively high, contributing to incurability and morbidity of the disease. Thyroid cancer is mainly treated by surgery and radioiodine remnant ablation, which is effective only for non-metastasized primary tumors. Therefore, better understanding of the molecular targets available in this tumor is necessary. Similarly to many other tumor types, oncogenic molecular alterations in thyroid epithelium include aberrant signal transduction of the mitogen-activated protein kinase, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT (also known as protein kinase B), NF-кB, and WNT/β-catenin pathways. However, the role of the Janus kinase (JAK)/signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3) pathway, a well-known mediator of tumorigenesis in different tumor types, is relatively less understood in thyroid cancer. Intriguingly, recent studies have demonstrated that, in thyroid cancer, the JAK/STAT3 pathway may function in the context of tumor suppression rather than promoting tumorigenesis. In this review, we provide an update of STAT3 function in thyroid cancer and discuss some of the evidences that support this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadiya Sosonkina
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| | - Dmytro Starenki
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
| | - Jong-In Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Road, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.
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168
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Pita JM, Figueiredo IF, Moura MM, Leite V, Cavaco BM. Cell cycle deregulation and TP53 and RAS mutations are major events in poorly differentiated and undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2014; 99:E497-507. [PMID: 24423316 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-1512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (ATCs) are among the most lethal malignancies, for which there is no effective treatment. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular alterations contributing to ATC development and to identify novel therapeutic targets. DESIGN We profiled the global gene expression of five ATCs and validated differentially expressed genes by quantitative RT-PCR in an independent set of tumors. In a series of 26 ATCs, we searched for pathogenic alterations in genes involved in the most deregulated cellular processes, including the hot spot regions of RAS, BRAF, TP53, CTNNB1 (β-catenin), and PIK3CA genes, and, for the first time, a comprehensive analysis of components involved in the cell cycle [cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors (CDKI): CDKN1A (p21(CIP1)); CDKN1B (p27(KIP1)); CDKN2A (p14(ARF), p16(INK4A)); CDKN2B (p15(INK4B)); CDKN2C (p18(INK4C))], cell adhesion (AXIN1), and proliferation (PTEN). Mutational analysis was also performed in 22 poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas (PDTCs). RESULTS Expression profiling revealed that ATCs were characterized by the underexpression of epithelial components and the up regulation of mesenchymal markers and genes from TGF-β pathway, as well as, the overexpression of cell cycle-related genes. In accordance, the up regulation of the SNAI2 gene, a TGF-β-responsive mesenchymal factor, was validated. CDKN3, which prevents the G1/S transition, was significantly up regulated in ATCs and PDTCs and aberrantly spliced in ATCs. Mutational analysis showed that most mutations were present in TP53 (42% of ATCs; 27% of PDTCs) or RAS (31% of ATCs; 18% of PDTCs). TP53 and RAS alterations showed evidence of mutual exclusivity (P = .0354). PIK3CA, PTEN, and CDKI mutations were present in 14%-20% of PDTCs, and in 10%-14% of ATCs. BRAF, CTNNB1, and AXIN1 mutations were rarely detected. CONCLUSION Overall, this study identified crucial roles for TP53, RAS, CDKI, and TGF-β pathway, which may represent feasible therapeutic targets for ATC and PDTC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Miguel Pita
- Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (J.M.P., I.F.F., M.M.M., V.L., B.M.C.) and Serviço de Endocrinologia (V.L.), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil, 1099-023 Lisboa, Portugal; and Centro de Estudos de Doenças Crónicas (J.M.P., I.F.F., M.M.M., V.L., B.M.C.), Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 1169-056 Lisboa, Portugal
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Parenti R, Salvatorelli L, Magro G. Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: Current Treatments and Potential New Therapeutic Options with Emphasis on TfR1/CD71. Int J Endocrinol 2014; 2014:685396. [PMID: 25097549 PMCID: PMC4102021 DOI: 10.1155/2014/685396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is one of the most aggressive human cancers. Actually, ATC is refractory to conventional therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and radioiodine ((131)I) therapy. Accordingly, genetic and molecular characterizations of ATC have been frequently and periodically reviewed in order to identify potential biological markers exploitable for target therapy. This review briefly focuses on main molecular events that characterize ATC and provides an update about preclinical studies. In addition, the overexpression of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1/CD71) by neoplastic cells of ATC is emphasized in that it could represent a potential therapeutic target. In this regard, new therapeutic approaches based on the use of monoclonal or recombinant antibodies, or transferrin-gallium-TfR1/CD71 molecular complexes, or lastly small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalba Parenti
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, Physiology Section, University of Catania, Viale A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
- *Rosalba Parenti:
| | - Lucia Salvatorelli
- Department G.F. Ingrassia, Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Gaetano Magro
- Department G.F. Ingrassia, Section of Anatomic Pathology, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, 95123 Catania, Italy
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Firoozinia M, Zareian Jahromi M, Moghadamtousi SZ, Nikzad S, Abdul Kadir H. PIK3CA gene amplification and PI3K p110α protein expression in breast carcinoma. Int J Med Sci 2014; 11:620-5. [PMID: 24782652 PMCID: PMC4003548 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.8251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
A family of PI3Ks is the lipid kinases, which enhance intracellular pools of phosphatidyl inositol 3,4,5-tri-phosphate (PIP3) through phosphorylating its precursor. Amplifications and deletions of genes, as well as somatic missense of the PIK3CA gene have been described in many human cancer varieties, including of the brain, colon, liver, lung and stomach. Immunohistochemistry and Real-time quantitative PCR tests were used to determine the PIK3CA gene amplification (gene copy number) and to detect protein expression, respectively. The results obtained were analysed and the ratio of PIK3CA to β-actin gene copy number was calculated. Positive gene amplification of PIK3CA was appointed as a copy number of ≥4. Also, PI3K p110α protein expression was scored from 0 to 3+ and the scores of 2+ and 3+ were considered as positive for PI3K p110α protein expression. We studied 50 breast carcinoma samples for PI3K p110α protein expression and PIK3CA gene copy numbers. In general, 36 out of 50 (72%) breast carcinoma samples showed a significant increase in PIK3CA gene amplification. 12 out of 50 (24%) showed positive staining, and 38 out of 50 (76%) showed negative staining for PI3K p110α expression. We have identified no significant relationship between PIK3CA amplification, race (p= 0.630) and histological type (p=0. 731) in breast carcinoma, but correlation of PIK3CA amplification and age showed a significant relationship (p=0. 003) between them. No significant relationship has been identified in correlation of PI3K p110α protein expression compared to age (p=0. 284), race (p=0. 546) and histological type (p=0. 285). Amplification of PIK3CA was frequent in breast carcinoma and occurs in stages of breast carcinoma. Our result shows that there is a relationship between gene amplification and age in breast carcinoma. We suggest that PIK3CA is significant in breast tumorigenesis serve as a prevalent mechanism contributes to the oncogenic activation pathway of PIK3CA in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Firoozinia
- 1. Biomolecular Research Group, Biochemistry Program, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | | - Soheil Zorofchian Moghadamtousi
- 1. Biomolecular Research Group, Biochemistry Program, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Sonia Nikzad
- 1. Biomolecular Research Group, Biochemistry Program, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Habsah Abdul Kadir
- 1. Biomolecular Research Group, Biochemistry Program, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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171
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Ward LS. Immune response in thyroid cancer: widening the boundaries. SCIENTIFICA 2014; 2014:125450. [PMID: 25328756 PMCID: PMC4190695 DOI: 10.1155/2014/125450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The association between thyroid cancer and thyroid inflammation has been repeatedly reported and highly debated in the literature. In fact, both molecular and epidemiological data suggest that these diseases are closely related and this association reinforces that the immune system is important for thyroid cancer progression. Innate immunity is the first line of defensive response. Unlike innate immune responses, adaptive responses are highly specific to the particular antigen that induced them. Both branches of the immune system may interact in antitumor immune response. Major effector cells of the immune system that directly target thyroid cancer cells include dendritic cells, macrophages, polymorphonuclear leukocytes, mast cells, and lymphocytes. A mixture of immune cells may infiltrate thyroid cancer microenvironment and the balance of protumor and antitumor activity of these cells may be associated with prognosis. Herein, we describe some evidences that immune response may be important for thyroid cancer progression and may help us identify more aggressive tumors, sparing the vast majority of patients from costly unnecessary invasive procedures. The future trend in thyroid cancer is an individualized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sterian Ward
- Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (FCM-Unicamp), Rua Tessália Vieira de Camargo 126, Barão Geraldo,
13083-970 Campinas, SP, Brazil
- *Laura Sterian Ward:
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172
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Oncogenic events and therapeutic targets in thyroid cancer. Mol Oncol 2013. [DOI: 10.1017/cbo9781139046947.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
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173
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Nikiforova MN, Wald AI, Roy S, Durso MB, Nikiforov YE. Targeted next-generation sequencing panel (ThyroSeq) for detection of mutations in thyroid cancer. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98:E1852-60. [PMID: 23979959 PMCID: PMC3816258 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2013-2292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 343] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Next-generation sequencing (NGS) allows for high-throughput sequencing analysis of large regions of the human genome. We explored the use of targeted NGS for simultaneous testing for multiple mutations in thyroid cancer. DESIGN A custom panel (ThyroSeq) was designed to target 12 cancer genes with 284 mutational hot spots. Sequencing was performed to analyze DNA from 228 thyroid neoplastic and nonneoplastic samples including 105 frozen, 72 formalin-fixed, and 51 fine-needle aspiration samples representing all major types of thyroid cancer. RESULTS Only 5-10 ng of input DNA was sufficient for successful analysis of 99.6% of samples. The analytical accuracy for mutation detection was 100% with the sensitivity of 3%-5% of mutant allele. ThyroSeq DNA assay identified mutations in 19 of 27 of classic papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) (70%), 25 of 30 follicular variant PTCs (83%), 14 of 18 conventional (78%) and 7 of 18 oncocytic follicular carcinomas (39%), 3 of 10 poorly differentiated carcinomas (30%), 20 of 27 anaplastic (ATCs) (74%), and 11 of 15 medullary thyroid carcinomas (73%). In contrast, 5 of 83 benign nodules (6%) were positive for mutations. Most tumors had a single mutation, whereas several ATCs and PTCs demonstrated two or three mutations. The most common mutations detected were BRAF and RAS followed by PIK3CA, TP53, TSHR, PTEN, GNAS, CTNNB1, and RET. The BRAF mutant allele frequency was 18%-48% in PTCs and was lower in ATCs. CONCLUSIONS The ThyroSeq NGS panel allows simultaneous testing for multiple mutations with high accuracy and sensitivity, requires a small amount of DNA and can be performed in a variety of thyroid tissue and fine-needle aspiration samples, and provides quantitative assessment of mutant alleles. Using this approach, the point mutations were detected in 30%-83% of specific types of thyroid cancer and in only 6% of benign thyroid nodules and were shown to be present in the majority of cells within the cancer nodule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina N Nikiforova
- Division of Molecular and Genomic Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15261.
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174
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Matsuno A, Murakami M, Hoya K, M. Yamada S, Miyamoto S, Yamada S, Son JH, Nishido H, Ide F, Nagashima H, Sugaya M, Hirohata T, Mizutani A, Okinaga H, Ishii Y, Tahara S, Teramoto A, Osamura RY, Yamazaki K, Ishida Y. Clinicopathological and molecular histochemical review of skull base metastasis from differentiated thyroid carcinoma. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2013; 46:129-36. [PMID: 24194626 PMCID: PMC3813819 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.13019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Skull base metastasis from differentiated thyroid carcinoma including follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is a rare clinical entity. Eighteen FTC cases and 10 PTC cases showing skull base metastasis have been reported. The most common symptom of skull base metastasis from FTC and PTC is cranial nerve dysfunction. Bone destruction and local invasion to the surrounding soft tissues are common on radiological imaging. Skull base metastases can be the initial clinical presentation of FTC and PTC in the presence of silent primary sites. The possibility of skull base metastasis from FTC and PTC should be considered in patients with the clinical symptoms of cranial nerve dysfunction and radiological findings of bone destruction. A variety of genetic alterations in thyroid tumors have been identified to have a fundamental role in their tumorigenesis. Molecular histochemical studies are useful for elucidating the histopathological features of thyroid carcinoma. Recent molecular findings may provide novel molecular-based treatment strategies for thyroid carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Matsuno
- Department of Neurosurgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center
| | - Mineko Murakami
- Department of Neurosurgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center
| | - Katsumi Hoya
- Department of Neurosurgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center
| | - Shoko M. Yamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center
| | - Shinya Miyamoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center
| | - So Yamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center
| | - Jae-Hyun Son
- Department of Neurosurgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center
| | - Hajime Nishido
- Department of Neurosurgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center
| | - Fuyuaki Ide
- Department of Neurosurgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center
| | | | - Mutsumi Sugaya
- Department of Rehabilitation, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center
| | - Toshio Hirohata
- Department of Neurosurgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center
- Department of Neurosurgery, The University of Tokyo
| | - Akiko Mizutani
- Department of Neurosurgery, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center
- Teikyo Heisei University
| | | | - Yudo Ishii
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nippon Medical School
| | | | | | - R. Yoshiyuki Osamura
- Department of Pathology, International University of Health and Welfare Mita Hospital
| | - Kazuto Yamazaki
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center
| | - Yasuo Ishida
- Department of Pathology, Teikyo University Chiba Medical Center
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175
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Zhang G, Qu Y, Dang S, Yang Q, Shi B, Hou P. Variable copy number of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) predicts worse prognosis in advanced gastric cancer patients. Diagn Pathol 2013; 8:173. [PMID: 24144008 PMCID: PMC4015835 DOI: 10.1186/1746-1596-8-173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Change of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number is widely reported in various human cancers, including gastric cancer, and is considered to be an important hallmark of cancers. However, there is remarkably little consensus on the value of variable mtDNA content in the prognostic evaluation of this cancer. METHODS Using real-time quantitative PCR approach, we examined mtDNA copy number in a cohort of gastric cancers and normal gastric tissues, and explored the association of variable mtDNA content with clinical outcomes of gastric cancer patients. RESULTS Our data showed that the majority of gastric cancer patients had low mtDNA content as compared to control subjects although the relative mean mtDNA content was higher in the former than the latter. Moreover, we found that variable mtDNA content was strongly associated with lymph node metastasis and cancer-related death of the patients with late-stage tumors. Notably, variable mtDNA content did not affect overall survival of gastric cancer patients, however, we found that increased mtDNA content was associated with poor survival in the patients with late-stage tumors. CONCLUSION In this study, we demonstrated that variable mtDNA content markedly increased the risk of lymph node metastasis and high mortality of the patients with late-stage tumors. Additionally, we found a strong link between increased mtDNA content and worse survival of the patients with late-stage tumors. Taken together, variable mtDNA content may be a valuable poor prognostic factor for advanced gastric cancer patients. VIRTUAL SLIDES The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1344721463103353.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Peng Hou
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an 710061, the People's Republic of China.
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176
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Liu D, Yang C, Bojdani E, Murugan AK, Xing M. Identification of RASAL1 as a major tumor suppressor gene in thyroid cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2013; 105:1617-27. [PMID: 24136889 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djt249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND RAS-coupled MAPK and PI3K pathways play a fundamental role in thyroid tumorigenesis, and classical genetic alterations upregulating these pathways are well characterized. We hypothesized that gene abnormality of negative modulators of these signaling pathways might be an important alternative genetic background for thyroid cancer. METHODS By examining gene expression patterns of negative modulators of RAS signaling, we attempted to identify potential tumor suppressor genes. We then analyzed the methylation and mutation patterns of the identified gene in 101 thyroid tumors and tested its functions in vitro and in vivo to establish the tumor suppressor role in thyroid cancer. RESULTS Among 13 negative modulators of the RAS pathway screened, RASAL1, encoding a RAS GTPase-activating protein, was frequently hypermethylated in thyroid cancers, which was coupled to its silencing in thyroid cancer cells. We also, for the first time, identified the presence of RASAL1 mutations, with a prevalence of 4.88% (n = 2 of 41) in follicular thyroid cancer (FTC) and 16.67% (n = 5 of 30) in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). RASAL1 displayed MAPK- and PI3K-suppressing and thyroid tumor-suppressing activities, which were all impaired by the mutations. Hypermethylation and mutations of RASAL1 were mutually exclusive and collectively found in zero of 20 benign thyroid tumors, 3.22% (n = 1 of 31) of papillary thyroid cancers, 31.70% (n = 13 of 41) of FTCs, and 33.33% (n = 10 of 30) of ATCs. A rate of 20.83% (n = 5 of 24) of tumors carrying RASAL1 mutation or methylation at high levels (>50%) vs 44.16% (n = 34 of 77) of tumors carrying no RASAL1 mutation or methylation at low levels (< 50%) harbored any of the classical mutations (two-sided P = .02, Fisher exact test) in RAS, BRAF, PTEN, and PIK3CA genes in the MAPK and PI3K pathways, revealing a largely mutually exclusive relationship. CONCLUSIONS We identified RASAL1 as a major tumor suppressor gene that is frequently inactivated by hypermethylation and mutations, providing a new alternative genetic background for thyroid cancer, particularly FTC and ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingxie Liu
- Affiliation of authors: Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Thyroid Research, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (DL, CY, EB, AKM, MX)
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Fu J, Lv H, Guan H, Ma X, Ji M, He N, Shi B, Hou P. Metallothionein 1G functions as a tumor suppressor in thyroid cancer through modulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. BMC Cancer 2013; 13:462. [PMID: 24098937 PMCID: PMC3851544 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-13-462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MT1G inactivation mediated by promoter methylation has been reported in thyroid cancer. However, the role of MT1G in thyroid carcinogenesis remains unclear. The aim of this study is to examine the biological functions and related molecular mechanisms of MT1G in thyroid cancer. METHODS Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) was performed to analyze promoter methylation of MT1G and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients. Conventional and real-time quantitative RT-PCR assays were used to evaluate mRNA expression. The functions of ectopic MT1G expression were determined by cell proliferation and colony formation, cell cycle and apoptosis, as well as cell migration and invasion assays. RESULTS MT1G expression was frequently silenced or down-regulated in thyroid cancer cell lines, and was also significantly decreased in primary thyroid cancer tissues compared with non-malignant thyroid tissues. Promoter methylation, along with histone modification, contributes to MT1G inactivation in thyroid tumorigenesis. Moreover, our data showed that MT1G hypermethylation was significantly positively associated with lymph node metastasis in PTC patients. Importantly, restoring MT1G expression in thyroid cancer cells dramatically suppressed cell growth and invasiveness, and induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis through inhibiting phosphorylation of Akt and Rb. CONCLUSIONS We have for the first time revealed that MT1G appears to be functional tumor suppressor involved in thyroid carcinogenesis mainly through modulating the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway and partially through regulating the activity of Rb/E2F pathway in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Fu
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Xi'an 710061, China.
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178
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Guerra A, Di Crescenzo V, Garzi A, Cinelli M, Carlomagno C, Tonacchera M, Zeppa P, Vitale M. Genetic mutations in the treatment of anaplastic thyroid cancer: a systematic review. BMC Surg 2013; 13 Suppl 2:S44. [PMID: 24267151 PMCID: PMC3851243 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2482-13-s2-s44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a rare, lethal disease associated with a median survival of 6 months despite the best multidisciplinary care. Surgical resection is not curative in ATC patients, being often a palliative procedure. Multidisciplinary care may include surgery, loco-regional radiotherapy, and systemic therapy. Besides conventional chemotherapy, multi kinase-targeted inhibitors are emerging as novel therapeutic tools. The numerous molecular alteration detected in ATC are targets for these inhibitors. The aim of this review is to determine the prevalence of the major genetic alterations occurring in ATC and place the results in the context of the emerging kinase-targeted therapies. METHODS The study is based on published PubMed studies addressing the prevalence of BRAF, RAS, PTEN, PI3KCA and TP53 mutations and RET rearrangements in ATC. RESULTS 21 articles dealing with 652 genetic analyses of the selected genes were used. The overall prevalence determined were the following: RET/PTC, 4%; BRAF, 23%; RAS, 60%; PTEN, 16%; PI3KCA, 24%; TP53, 48%. Genetic alterations are sometimes overlapping. CONCLUSIONS Mutations of BRAF, PTEN and PI3KCA genes are common in ATC, with RAS and TP53 being the most frequent. Given ATC genetic complexity, effective therapies may benefit from individualized therapeutic regimens in a multidisciplinary approach.
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179
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Kandil E, Tsumagari K, Ma J, Abd Elmageed ZY, Li X, Slakey D, Mondal D, Abdel-Mageed AB. Synergistic inhibition of thyroid cancer by suppressing MAPK/PI3K/AKT pathways. J Surg Res 2013; 184:898-906. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2013.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2013] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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180
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Denaro N, Nigro CL, Russi EG, Merlano MC. The role of chemotherapy and latest emerging target therapies in anaplastic thyroid cancer. Onco Targets Ther 2013; 9:1231-41. [PMID: 24092989 PMCID: PMC3787923 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s46545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer represents 1%–2% of thyroid cancers. For its aggressiveness, it
is considered a systemic disease at the time of diagnosis. Surgery remains the cornerstone of
therapy in resectable tumor. Traditional chemotherapy has little effect on metastatic disease. A
multimodality approach, incorporating cytoreductive surgical resection, chemoradiation, either
concurrently or sequentially, and new promising target therapies is advisable. Doxorubicin is the
most commonly used agent, with a response rate of 22%. Recently, other chemotherapy agents have been
used, such as paclitaxel and gemcitabine, with superimposable activity and response rates of
10%–20%. However, survival of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer has changed little in
the past 50 years, despite more aggressive systemic and radiotherapies. Several new agents are
currently under investigation. Some of them, such as sorafenib, imatinib, and axitinib have been
tested in small clinical trials, showing promising disease control rates ranging from
35%–75%. Referral of patients for participation in clinical trials is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerina Denaro
- Oncology Department, AO S Croce e Carle, Messina, Italy ; Human Pathology Department, Messina University, Messina, Italy
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181
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Sponziello M, Lavarone E, Pegolo E, Di Loreto C, Puppin C, Russo MA, Bruno R, Filetti S, Durante C, Russo D, Di Cristofano A, Damante G. Molecular differences between human thyroid follicular adenoma and carcinoma revealed by analysis of a murine model of thyroid cancer. Endocrinology 2013; 154:3043-53. [PMID: 23751876 PMCID: PMC3749486 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Mouse models can provide useful information to understand molecular mechanisms of human tumorigenesis. In this study, the conditional thyroid mutagenesis of Pten and Ras genes in the mouse, which induces very aggressive follicular carcinomas (FTCs), has been used to identify genes differentially expressed among human normal thyroid tissue (NT), follicular adenoma (FA), and FTC. Global gene expression of mouse FTC was compared with that of mouse normal thyroids: 911 genes were found deregulated ± 2-fold in FTC samples. Then the expression of 45 deregulated genes in mouse tumors was investigated by quantitative RT-PCR in a first cohort of human NT, FA, and FTC (discovery group). Five genes were found significantly down-regulated in FA and FTC compared with NT. However, 17 genes were found differentially expressed between FA and FTC: 5 and 12 genes were overexpressed and underexpressed in FTC vs FA, respectively. Finally, 7 gene products, selected from results obtained in the discovery group, were investigated in a second cohort of human tumors (validation group) by immunohistochemistry. Four proteins showed significant differences between FA and FTC (peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-γ, serum deprivation response protein, osteoglycin, and dipeptidase 1). Altogether our data indicate that the establishment of an enriched panel of molecular biomarkers using data coming from mouse thyroid tumors and validated in human specimens may help to set up a more valid platform to further improve diagnosis and prognosis of thyroid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialuisa Sponziello
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche, Università di Roma “Sapienza,” 00161 Roma, Italy
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182
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Yip WK, Choo CW, Leong VCS, Leong PP, Jabar MF, Seow HF. Molecular alterations of Ras-Raf-mitogen-activated protein kinase and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt signaling pathways in colorectal cancers from a tertiary hospital at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. APMIS 2013; 121:954-66. [DOI: 10.1111/apm.12152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wai Kien Yip
- Department of Pathology; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Universiti Putra Malaysia
| | - Chee Wei Choo
- Department of Pathology; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Universiti Putra Malaysia
| | | | - Pooi Pooi Leong
- Department of Pathology; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Universiti Putra Malaysia
| | - Mohd Faisal Jabar
- Department of Surgery; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Universiti Putra Malaysia
| | - Heng Fong Seow
- Department of Pathology; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences; Universiti Putra Malaysia
- Institute of Bioscience; Universiti Putra Malaysia; Serdang Selangor Malaysia
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183
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Samimi H, Zaki dizaji M, Ghadami M, Shahzadeh fazeli A, Khashayar P, Soleimani M, Larijani B, Haghpanah V. Essential genes in thyroid cancers: focus on fascin. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2013; 12:32. [PMID: 23815863 PMCID: PMC7983713 DOI: 10.1186/2251-6581-12-32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Although thyroid cancers are not among common malignancies, they rank as the first prevalent endocrine cancers in human. According to the results of published studies it has been shown the gradual progress from normal to the neoplastic cell in the process of tumor formation is the result of sequential genetic events. Among them we may point the mutations and rearrangements occurred in a group of proto-oncogenes, transcription factors and metastasis elements such as P53, RAS,RET,BRAF, PPARγ and Fascin. In the present article,we reviewed the most important essential genes in thyroid cancers, the role of epithelial mesenchymal transition and Fascin has been highlighted in this paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilda Samimi
- Science and Culture University, Tehran, Iran
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 5th floor, Dr. Shariati Hospital, North Kargar Ave, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Zaki dizaji
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 5th floor, Dr. Shariati Hospital, North Kargar Ave, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Ghadami
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 5th floor, Dr. Shariati Hospital, North Kargar Ave, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Patricia Khashayar
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 5th floor, Dr. Shariati Hospital, North Kargar Ave, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoud Soleimani
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 5th floor, Dr. Shariati Hospital, North Kargar Ave, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Haghpanah
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, 5th floor, Dr. Shariati Hospital, North Kargar Ave, Tehran, Iran
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184
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Lee J, Hwang JA, Lee EK. Recent progress of genome study for anaplastic thyroid cancer. Genomics Inform 2013; 11:68-75. [PMID: 23843772 PMCID: PMC3704929 DOI: 10.5808/gi.2013.11.2.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) belongs to the most malignant and rapidly progressive human thyroid cancers and its prognosis is very poor. Also, it shows high resistance to cancer treatments, so that effective treatment for ATC has not been found to date, and virtually all patients terminate their life rapidly after diagnosis. Although targeted treatment of genetic alterations has emerged as an extremely promising approach to human cancers, such as BRAF in metastatic melanoma, it remains unclear that how commonly genomic alterations are influenced in ATC tumorigenesis. In recent years, genome wide approaches have been exploited to find genetic alterations associated with complex diseases, including cancer. Here, we reviewed the comprehensive genetic alterations in ATC and recent approaches in the context of identifying genomic alterations associated with ATC. Since surprisingly few reports have been published on the genome wide study of ATC, this review puts emphasis on the urgent needs of genomic research for the prevention and treatment of ATC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Lee
- Cancer Genomics Branch, Research Institute, National Cancer Center, Goyang 410-769, Korea
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185
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Abstract
Advanced differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), defined by clinical characteristics including gross extrathyroidal invasion, distant metastases, radioiodine (RAI) resistance, and avidity for 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (positron emission tomography-positive), is found in approximately 10-20% of patients with DTC. Standard therapy (surgery, RAI, TSH suppression with levothyroxine) is ineffective for many of these patients, as is standard chemotherapy. Our understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to DTC and the transformation to advanced DTC has rapidly evolved over the past 15-20 years. Newer targeted therapy, specifically inhibitors of intracellular kinase signaling pathways, and cooperative multicenter clinical trials have dramatically changed the therapeutic landscape for patients with advanced DTC. In this review focusing on morbidities, molecules, and medicinals, we present a patient with advanced DTC, explore the genetics and molecular biology of advanced DTC, and review evolving therapies for these patients including multikinase inhibitors, selective kinase inhibitors, and combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan R Haugen
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, University of Colorado Cancer Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA.
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186
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Frasca F, Vella V, Nicolosi ML, Messina RL, Gianì F, Lotta S, Vigneri P, Regalbuto C, Vigneri R. Thyroid cancer cell resistance to gefitinib depends on the constitutive oncogenic activation of the ERK pathway. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2013; 98:2502-12. [PMID: 23559083 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2012-3623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas are refractory to common anticancer therapies, and novel inhibitors are being tested in these deadly malignancies. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase represents an attractive target for treatment because it is up-regulated in thyroid cancer and plays a role in cancer progression. However, EGFR inhibitors have provided poor results in thyroid carcinomas. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the possible mechanism underlying the resistance of thyroid cancer cells to EGFR inhibitors. DESIGN We tested the effect of the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib in a panel of thyroid cancer cell lines. RESULTS We found that in most of the cell lines, although gefitinib inhibited EGFR phosphorylation, it was poorly effective in reducing cell viability. gefitinib, however, was able to inhibit epidermal growth factor-induced cell migration and matrix invasion. In most thyroid cancer cell lines, gefitinib significantly inhibited Akt phosphorylation by inhibiting EGFR activation, but it had limited or no effect on ERK phosphorylation. The poor cell response to gefitinib was associated with genetic alterations, leading to constitutive activation of the ERK pathway, including BRAF(V600E) and HRAS(G12A/Q61R) mutations and RET/PTC1 rearrangement. When BRAF(V600E)-positive thyroid cancer cells were incubated with the specific BRAF inhibitor PLX4032, sensitivity to gefitinib was restored. Similar results were obtained with rat sarcoma and RET/papillary thyroid cancer inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that thyroid cancer resistance to gefitinib is due to the constitutive activation of the mitogenic pathway by either signals downstream of EGFR or other tyrosine kinase receptors. This resistance can be overcome by the combined use of selective inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Frasca
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Clinical and Molecular Bio-Medicine, University of Catania, Garibaldi-Nesima Medical Center, Via Palermo 636, 95122 Catania, Italy.
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187
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Yang L, He JT, Guan H, Sun YD. AKT1 Inhibitory DNAzymes Inhibit Cell Proliferation and Migration of Thyroid Cancer Cells. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2013; 14:2571-5. [DOI: 10.7314/apjcp.2013.14.4.2571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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188
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Abstract
Recent molecular studies have described a number of abnormalities associated with the pathogenesis of thyroid carcinoma. These distinct molecular events are often associated with specific stages of tumor development and may serve as prognostic factors and therapeutic targets. A better understanding of the mechanisms involved in thyroid cancer pathogenesis, will hopefully help translate these discoveries to improved patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kepal N Patel
- Thyroid Cancer Interdisciplinary Program, Division of Endocrine Surgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
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189
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Abstract
PURPOSE Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is a lethal disease causing a global disproportionate number of thyroid cancer-related deaths. The American Thyroid Association (ATA) has recently produced clear and comprehensive guidelines to assist physicians treating ATC. METHODS The recent ATA guideline publication was reviewed. A systematic review of studies indexed in Medline and Pubmed was also undertaken using search terms relevant to ATC. RESULTS Patients with ATC have a median survival of 5 months and less than 20% survive 1 year. Early tumor dissemination results in 20-50% percent of patients having distant metastases and 90% having adjacent tissue invasion on presentation. This highlights the necessity for effective combined therapy. Stage IVA/ IVB, resectable disease may benefit from a multimodal (surgery, IMRT for loco regional control, and systemic therapy) approach. However, a majority of patients present with unresectable locoregional disease. Early palliative care involvement is inclusive of life-prolonging therapies. ATC management demands rapid, complex and integrated multidisciplinary decision making. CONCLUSION In this article we discuss the multidisciplinary strategies that exist to optimize the management of these patients in accordance with the recent guidelines from The American Thyroid Association.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Paul O'Neill
- Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, 123 St. Stephens Green, Dublin, Ireland.
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190
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Abstract
Substantial developments have occurred in the past 5-10 years in clinical translational research of thyroid cancer. Diagnostic molecular markers, such as RET-PTC, RAS, and BRAF(V600E) mutations; galectin 3; and a new gene expression classifier, are outstanding examples that have improved diagnosis of thyroid nodules. BRAF mutation is a prognostic genetic marker that has improved risk stratification and hence tailored management of patients with thyroid cancer, including those with conventionally low risks. Novel molecular-targeted treatments hold great promise for radioiodine-refractory and surgically inoperable thyroid cancers as shown in clinical trials; such treatments are likely to become a component of the standard treatment regimen for patients with thyroid cancer in the near future. These novel molecular-based management strategies for thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer are the most exciting developments in this unprecedented era of molecular thyroid-cancer medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhao Xing
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Thyroid Research, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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191
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Abstract
Thyroid cancer is a common endocrine malignancy. There has been exciting progress in understanding its molecular pathogenesis in recent years, as best exemplified by the elucidation of the fundamental role of several major signalling pathways and related molecular derangements. Central to these mechanisms are the genetic and epigenetic alterations in these pathways, such as mutation, gene copy-number gain and aberrant gene methylation. Many of these molecular alterations represent novel diagnostic and prognostic molecular markers and therapeutic targets for thyroid cancer, which provide unprecedented opportunities for further research and clinical development of novel treatment strategies for this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhao Xing
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Thyroid Research, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1830 East Monument Street, Suite 333, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.
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192
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Nikiforov YE, Yip L, Nikiforova MN. New strategies in diagnosing cancer in thyroid nodules: impact of molecular markers. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 19:2283-8. [PMID: 23422095 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-12-1253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine malignancy, with approximately 55,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States in 2012. However, thyroid nodules are much more prevalent, particularly with increased age, and only a small fraction of those are malignant. Therefore, the major clinical challenge is to reliably differentiate those nodules that are malignant and need to be treated surgically from the majority of nodules that are benign and do not require surgery. The traditional diagnostic approach to this clinical situation is ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) of the thyroid nodule followed by cytologic examination, which together reliably establish the diagnosis in 70% to 80% of cases. However, in the rest of nodules the presence of cancer cannot be ruled out by FNA cytology, hampering appropriate surgical management and frequently resulting in unnecessary surgical interventions. New approaches to diagnosis of cancer in thyroid nodules are based on mutational and other molecular markers, which can be reliably detected in cells aspirated during the FNA procedure. These markers offer significant improvement in the diagnostic accuracy of FNA cytology and are poised to make a profound effect on the management of patients with thyroid nodules. In addition to the molecular markers that have recently become available for clinical use, rapid development of new sequencing techniques is expected to further improve the accuracy of cancer diagnosis in thyroid nodules and allow for a fully individualized approach to the management of patients with thyroid nodules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri E Nikiforov
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
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193
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Xing JC, Tufano RP, Murugan AK, Liu D, Wand G, Ladenson PW, Xing M, Trink B. Single nucleotide polymorphism rs17849071 G/T in the PIK3CA gene is inversely associated with follicular thyroid cancer and PIK3CA amplification. PLoS One 2012. [PMID: 23185308 PMCID: PMC3504026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The proto-oncogene PIK3CA has been well studied for its activating mutations and genomic amplifications but not single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in thyroid cancer. We investigated SNP rs17849071 (minor allele G and major allele T) in PIK3CA in thyroid tumors in 503 subjects by PCR and sequencing of a region of intron 9 carrying this SNP. This SNP was found in both normal and thyroid tumor tissues as well as in different generations of a studied family, confirming it to be a germline genetic event in thyroid tumor patients. In comparison with normal subjects, a dramatically lower prevalence of the heterozygous genotype G/T at rs17849071 was found in patients with follicular thyroid cancer (FTC). Specifically, rs17849071G/T was found in 15% (18/117) normal subjects vs. 1.3% (1/77) FTC patients, with an odds ratio of 0.07 (95% CI 0.01–0.55; P = 0.001). This represents a 93% risk reduction for FTC with this SNP. In contrast, no difference was seen with benign thyroid neoplasms in which the prevalence of rs17849071G/T was 13.1% (17/130), with an odds ratio of 0.83 (95% CI 0.40–1.69; P = 0.72). There was a trend of lower prevalences of rs17849071G/T and odds ratio in other types of thyroid cancer without statistical significance. We also found an interesting inverse relationship of rs17849071G/T with PIK3CA amplification. With copy number ≥4 defined as copy gain, 2.9% (1/34) rs17849071G/T vs. 19.0% (67/352) rs17849071T/T cases displayed PIK3CA amplification (P = 0.01). Conversely, 1.5% (1/68) cases with PIK3CA amplification vs. 10.4% (33/318) cases without PIK3CA amplification harbored rs17849071G/T (P = 0.01). This provides an explanation for the reciprocal relationship of rs17849071G/T with FTC, since PIK3CA amplification is an important oncogenic mechanism in thyroid cancer, particularly FTC. Thus, the present study uncovers an interesting phenomenon that rs17849071G/T is protective against FTC possibly through preventing PIK3CA amplifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C. Xing
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Ralph P. Tufano
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Avaniyapuram Kannan Murugan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Dingxie Liu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Gary Wand
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Paul W. Ladenson
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mingzhao Xing
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Barry Trink
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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194
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Romitti M, Ceolin L, Siqueira DR, Ferreira CV, Wajner SM, Maia AL. Signaling pathways in follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinomas (review). Int J Oncol 2012; 42:19-28. [PMID: 23128507 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2012.1681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 08/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid carcinoma is the most common malignant endocrine neoplasia. Differentiated thyroid carcinomas (DTCs) represent more than 90% of all thyroid carcinomas and comprise the papillary and follicular thyroid carcinoma subtypes. Anaplastic thyroid carcinomas correspond to less than 1% of all thyroid tumors and can arise de novo or by dedifferentiation of a differentiated tumor. The etiology of DTCs is not fully understood. Several genetic events have been implicated in thyroid tumorigenesis. Point mutations in the BRAF or RAS genes or rearranged in transformation (RET)/papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) gene rearrangements are observed in approximately 70% of papillary cancer cases. Follicular carcinomas commonly harbor RAS mutations and paired box gene 8 (PAX8)-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) rearrangements. Anaplastic carcinomas may have a wide set of genetic alterations, that include gene effectors in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and/or β-catenin signaling pathways. These distinct genetic alterations constitutively activate the MAPK, PI3K and β-catenin signaling pathways, which have been implicated in thyroid cancer development and progression. In this context, the evaluation of specific genes, as well as the knowledge of their effects on thyroid carcinogenesis may provide important information on disease presentation, prognosis and therapy, through the development of specific tyrosine kinase targets. In this review, we aimed to present an updated and comprehensive review of the recent advances in the understanding of the genetic basis of follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinomas, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved in tumor development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mírian Romitti
- Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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195
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Lin SF, Huang YY, Lin JD, Chou TC, Hsueh C, Wong RJ. Utility of a PI3K/mTOR inhibitor (NVP-BEZ235) for thyroid cancer therapy. PLoS One 2012; 7:e46726. [PMID: 23077520 PMCID: PMC3471922 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0046726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed the utility of the dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 (BEZ235) as single agent therapy and in combination with conventional chemotherapy for thyroid cancer. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Eight cell lines from four types of thyroid cancer (papillary, follicular, anaplastic, medullary) were studied. The cytotoxicity of BEZ235 and five conventional chemotherapeutic agents alone and in combination was measured using LDH assay. Quantitative western blot assessed expression of proteins associated with cell cycle, apoptosis and signaling pathways. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were measured by flow cytometry. Murine flank anaplastic thyroid cancers (ATC) were treated with oral BEZ235 daily. We found that BEZ235 effectively inhibited cell proliferation of all cancer lines, with ATC exhibiting the greatest sensitivity. BEZ235 consistently inactivated signaling downstream of mTORC1. BEZ235 generally induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, and also caused apoptosis in the most sensitive cell lines. Baseline levels of p-S6 ribosomal protein (Ser235/236) and p27 correlated with BEZ235 sensitivity. Growth of 8505C ATC xenograft tumors was inhibited with BEZ235, without any observed toxicity. Combination therapy of BEZ235 and paclitaxel consistently demonstrated synergistic effects against ATC in vitro. CONCLUSIONS BEZ235 as a single therapeutic agent inhibits thyroid cancer proliferation and has synergistic effects in combination with paclitaxel in treating ATC. These findings encourage future clinical trials using BEZ235 for patients with this fatal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Fu Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
- * E-mail: (RJW); (SL)
| | - Yu-Yao Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jen-Der Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ting-Chao Chou
- Laboratory of Preclinical Pharmacology Core, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Chuen Hsueh
- Department of Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Richard J. Wong
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail: (RJW); (SL)
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196
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Aggarwal N, Swerdlow SH, Kelly LM, Ogilvie JB, Nikiforova MN, Sathanoori M, Nikiforov YE. Thyroid carcinoma-associated genetic mutations also occur in thyroid lymphomas. Mod Pathol 2012; 25:1203-11. [PMID: 22575864 PMCID: PMC3434253 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2012.73] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Molecular testing for mutations activating the mitogen-associated protein kinase signaling pathway is being used to help diagnose thyroid carcinomas. However, the prevalence of these mutations in thyroid lymphomas has not been reported. Therefore, we studied the prevalence of BRAF, NRAS, HRAS, and KRAS mutations in 33 thyroid lymphomas and correlated the mutational status with the clinical, pathological, cytogenetic, and immunophenotypic findings. Eleven cases were also tested for PAX8/PPARγ translocations. The lymphomas included 25 diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, 6 extranodal marginal-zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type, and 2 follicular lymphomas. Seventeen diffuse large B-cell lymphomas were germinal center type, six non-germinal center type, and two unclassifiable (Hans algorithm). None of the cases had an associated thyroid carcinoma. Mutations of the BRAF gene were identified in six (24%) diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (D594G in three germinal center diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, K601N in two germinal center diffuse large B-cell lymphomas, and V600E in one non-germinal center diffuse large B-cell lymphoma) and of the NRAS gene in two (8%) non-germinal center diffuse large B-cell lymphomas (Q61K and Q61H). BRAF and NRAS mutations were not found in any extranodal marginal-zone lymphomas of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue type or follicular lymphomas. HRAS and KRAS mutations were not identified in any of the cases, nor were PAX8/PPARγ translocations found. Thus, interpretation of finding a BRAF or NRAS mutation in the thyroid, particularly in preoperative thyroid aspirates, must take into account the differential diagnosis of a lymphoma. In addition to the diagnostic importance, our data also demonstrate that alteration in the mitogen-associated protein kinase pathway may have a role in the pathogenesis of some large B-cell lymphomas of the thyroid with potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Aggarwal
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Steven H. Swerdlow
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Lindsey M. Kelly
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Jennifer B. Ogilvie
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Mariana N. Nikiforova
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Malini Sathanoori
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Yuri E. Nikiforov
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
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197
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Soares P, Lima J, Preto A, Castro P, Vinagre J, Celestino R, Couto JP, Prazeres H, Eloy C, Máximo V, Sobrinho-Simões M. Genetic alterations in poorly differentiated and undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas. Curr Genomics 2012; 12:609-17. [PMID: 22654560 PMCID: PMC3271313 DOI: 10.2174/138920211798120853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Revised: 08/29/2011] [Accepted: 08/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thyroid gland presents a wide spectrum of tumours derived from follicular cells that range from well differentiated, papillary and follicular carcinoma (PTC and FTC, respectively), usually carrying a good prognosis, to the clinically aggressive, poorly differentiated (PDTC) and undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma (UTC).It is usually accepted that PDTC and UTC occur either de novo or progress from a pre-existing well differentiated carcinoma through a multistep process of genetic and epigenetic changes that lead to clonal expansion and neoplastic development. Mutations and epigenetic alterations in PDTC and UTC are far from being totally clarified. Assuming that PDTC and UTC may derive from well differentiated thyroid carcinomas (WDTC), it is expected that some PDTC and UTC would harbour genetic alterations that are typical of PTC and FTC. This is the case for some molecular markers (BRAF and NRAS) that are present in WDTC, PDTC and UTC. Other genes, namely P53, are almost exclusively detected in less differentiated and undifferentiated thyroid tumours, supporting a diagnosis of PDTC or, much more often, UTC. Thyroid-specific rearrangements RET/PTC and PAX8/PPARγ, on the other hand, are rarely found in PDTC and UTC, suggesting that these genetic alterations do not predispose cells to dedifferentiation. In the present review we have summarized the molecular changes associated with the two most aggressive types of thyroid cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Soares
- Institute of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, University of Porto (IPATIMUP), 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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198
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The insulin and igf-I pathway in endocrine glands carcinogenesis. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2012; 2012:635614. [PMID: 22927847 PMCID: PMC3423951 DOI: 10.1155/2012/635614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 06/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine cancers are a heterogeneous group of diseases that may arise from endocrine cells in any gland of the endocrine system. These malignancies may show an aggressive behavior and resistance to the common anticancer therapies. The etiopathogenesis of these tumors remains mostly unknown. The normal embryological development and differentiation of several endocrine glands are regulated by specific pituitary tropins, which, in adult life, control the function and trophism of the endocrine gland. Pituitary tropins act in concert with peptide growth factors, including the insulin-like growth factors (IGFs), which are considered key regulators of cell growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. While pituitary TSH is regarded as tumor-promoting factor for metastatic thyroid cancer, the role of other pituitary hormones in endocrine cancers is uncertain. However, multiple molecular abnormalities of the IGF system frequently occur in endocrine cancers and may have a role in tumorigenesis as well as in tumor progression and resistance to therapies. Herein, we will review studies indicating a role of IGF system dysregulation in endocrine cancers and will discuss the possible implications of these findings for tumor prevention and treatment, with a major focus on cancers from the thyroid, adrenal, and ovary, which are the most extensively studied.
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199
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Murat CB, Braga PBS, Fortes MAHZ, Bronstein MD, Corrêa-Giannella MLC, Giorgi RR. Mutation and genomic amplification of the PIK3CA proto-oncogene in pituitary adenomas. Braz J Med Biol Res 2012; 45:851-5. [PMID: 22782554 PMCID: PMC3854320 DOI: 10.1590/s0100-879x2012007500115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumorigenesis of pituitary adenomas is poorly understood. Mutations of the PIK3CA proto-oncogene, which encodes the p110-α catalytic subunit of PI3K, have been reported in various types of human cancers regarding the role of the gene in cell proliferation and survival through activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Only one Chinese study described somatic mutations and amplification of the PIK3CA gene in a large series of pituitary adenomas. The aim of the present study was to determine genetic alterations of PIK3CA in a second series that consisted of 33 pituitary adenomas of different subtypes diagnosed by immunohistochemistry: 6 adrenocorticotropic hormone-secreting microadenomas, 5 growth hormone-secreting macroadenomas, 7 prolactin-secreting macroadenomas, and 15 nonfunctioning macroadenomas. Direct sequencing of exons 9 and 20 assessed by qPCR was employed to investigate the presence of mutations and genomic amplification defined as a copy number ≥4. Previously identified PIK3CA mutations (exon 20) were detected in four cases (12.1%). Interestingly, the Chinese study reported mutations only in invasive tumors, while we found a PIK3CA mutation in one noninvasive corticotroph microadenoma. PIK3CA amplification was observed in 21.2% (7/33) of the cases. This study demonstrates the presence of somatic mutations and amplifications of the PIK3CA gene in a second series of pituitary adenomas, corroborating the previously described involvement of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the tumorigenic process of this gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- C B Murat
- Laboratório de Endocrinologia Celular e Molecular (LIM-25), Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Abstract
The Bethesda system for reporting thyroid cytopathology formulated in 2007 has standardized reporting of thyroid cytology specimens and streamlined management algorithms. Although 3 of the categories (benign, malignant, and nondiagnostic) are standardized and improved, the remaining 3 (follicular lesion of undetermined significance, follicular neoplasm, and suspicious for malignancy) remain fraught with interobserver variability and uncertainty regarding management algorithms. Recent and ongoing morphologic and molecular studies that aim to resolve these issues are summarized.
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