Loss of c-KIT expression in thyroid cancer cells

FHL1: A novel diagnostic marker for papillary thyroid carcinoma

Although there are clear morphologic criteria for the diagnosis of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), when the morphology is untypical or overlaps, accurate diagnostic indicators are necessary. Since few studies investigated the role of down-regulated genes in PTC, this article aims to further explore the molecular markers associated with PTC. We conducted bioinformatics analysis of gene microarrays of PTC and normal adjacent tissues. Besides, quantitative real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction array and immunohistochemical staining were used to investigate the expression of the major down-regulated genes. The results indicated that several important down-regulated genes, including TLE1, BCL2, FHL1, GHR, KIT, and PPARGC1A were involved in the process of PTC. Compared to normal adjacent tissues, the mRNA expression of the major genes was down-regulated in PTC (p＜0.05). Immunohistochemically, FHL1 shows negative or low expression in PTC tissues (p＜0.05). BCL2 did not show a significant difference between PTC and normal thyroid tissues (p > 0.05). TLE1, KIT, PPARGC1A and GHR showed negative expression in both tumor and normal tissues. These results suggested that FHL1 could serve as a novel tumor marker for precise diagnosis of PTC.

The role of MAPK, notch and Wnt signaling pathways in papillary thyroid cancer: Evidence from a systematic review and meta-analyzing microarray datasets employing bioinformatics knowledge and literature

Papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) is a prevalent kind of thyroid cancer (TC), with the risk of metastasis increasing faster than any other malignancy. So, understanding the role of PTC in pathogenesis requires studying the various gene expressions to find out which particular molecular biomarkers will be helpful. The authors conducted a comprehensive search on the PubMed microarray database and a meta-analysis approach on the remaining ones to determine the differentially expressed genes between PTC and normal tissues, along with the analyses of overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates in patients with PTC. We considered the associated genes with MAPK, Wnt, and Notch signaling pathways. Two GEO datasets have been included in this research, considering inclusion and exclusion criteria. Nineteen genes were found to have higher differences through the meta-analysis procedure. Among them, ten genes were upregulated, and nine genes were downregulated. The expression of 19 genes was examined using the GEPIA2 database, and the Kaplan-Meier plot statistics were used to analyze RFS and the OS rates. We discovered seven significant genes with the validation: PRICKLE1, KIT, RPS6KA5, GADD45B, FGFR2, FGF7, and DTX4. To further explain these findings, it was discovered that the mRNA expression levels of these seven genes and the remaining 12 genes were shown to be substantially linked with the results of the experimental literature investigations on the PTC. Our research found nineteen panels of genes that could be involved in the PTC progression and metastasis and the immune system infiltration of these cancers.

Thyroid cancer in Ecuador: A genetic variants review and a cross-sectional population-based analysis before and after COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to describe the genetic variants present in the Ecuadorian population and the incidence and mortality patterns of thyroid cancer in Ecuador from 2016 to 2021.

Methods

The present research constitutes a nationwide cross-sectional study encompassing all reported cases of thyroid cancer (C-73) in Ecuador from 2016 to 2021. Incidence rates were calculated based on the annual population at risk, considering factors such as ethnicity, sex, age group, and the geographic location of the incidence. All data was collected from the Hospital Discharge Statistics and the Statistical Registry of General Deaths Databases.

Results

Between 2016 and 2021, a total of 20,297 hospital admissions and 921 deaths attributed to thyroid cancer were reported in Ecuador. The incidence of thyroid cancer remained relatively stable from 2016 to 2019. However, there was a notable decrease in 2020, followed by an increase in 2021. Notably, thyroid cancer prevalence rates were found to be higher in highlands regions. Moreover, two genetic variants, the BRAFV600E and KITL678F, have been identified in the Ecuadorian population. It is noteworthy that women exhibited a higher susceptibility to thyroid cancer, being five times more likely than men to develop this condition.

Conclusion

Ecuador exhibits one of the highest global incidences of thyroid cancer. Consequently, describing the genetic variants and epidemiological characteristics of thyroid cancer is imperative for enhancing healthcare access and formulating evidence-based public health policies. This research contributes towards a comprehensive understanding of thyroid cancer in the Ecuadorian context, aiming to improve targeted interventions and health outcomes.

c-Kit Receptors as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer: Current Insights

c-Kit is a type III receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that has an essential role in various biological functions including gametogenesis, melanogenesis, hematopoiesis, cell survival, and apoptosis. c-KIT aberrations, either overexpression or loss-of-function mutations, have been implicated in the pathogenesis and development of many cancers, including gastrointestinal stromal tumors, mastocytosis, acute myeloid leukemia, breast, thyroid, and colorectal cancer, making c-KIT an attractive molecular target for the treatment of cancers. Therefore, a lot of effort has been put into investigating the utility of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for the management of c-KIT mutated tumors. This review of the literature illustrates the role of c-KIT mutations in many cancers, aiming to provide insights into the role of TKIs as a therapeutic option for cancer patients with c-KIT aberrations. In conclusion, c-KIT is implicated in different types of cancer, and it could be a successful molecular target; however, proper detection of the underlying mutation type is required before starting the appropriate personalized therapy.

Mechanism of immune escape mediated by receptor tyrosine kinase KIT in thyroid cancer

OBJECTIVE

Thyroid cancer (TC) is one of the fastest-growing malignant tumors. This study sought to explore the mechanism of immune escape mediated by receptor tyrosine kinase (KIT) in TC.

METHODS

The expression microarray of TC was acquired through the GEO database, and the difference analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathway enrichment analysis were carried out. KIT levels in TC cell lines (K1/SW579/BCPAP) and human normal thyroid cells were detected using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis. TC cells were transfected with overexpressed (oe)-KIT and CD8+ T cells were cocultured with SW579 cells. Subsequently, cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities, CD8+ T cell proliferation, cytokine levels (interferon-γ [IFN-γ]/tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) were determined using colony formation assay, Transwell assays, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The phosphorylation of MAPK pathway-related protein (ERK) was measured by western blot analysis. After transfection with oe-KIT, cells were treated with anisomycin (an activator of the MAPK pathway), and the protein levels of p-ERK/ERK and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) were detected.

RESULTS

Differentially expressed genes (N = 2472) were obtained from the GEO database. KIT was reduced in TC samples and lower in tumor cells than those in normal cells. Overexpression of KIT inhibited immune escape of TC cells. Specifically, the proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities of TC cells were lowered, the proliferation level of CD8+ T cells was elevated, and IFN-γ and TNF-α levels were increased. KIT inhibited the activation of the MAPK pathway in TC cells and downregulated PD-L1.

CONCLUSION

KIT suppressed immune escape of TC by blocking the activation of the MAPK pathway and downregulating PD-L1.

Identification of KIT and BRAF mutations in thyroid tissue using next-generation sequencing in an Ecuadorian patient: A case report

Background

The incidence of thyroid cancer has increased worldwide. Ecuador presents the highest incidence among Latin American countries and the second around the world. Genetic alteration is the driving force for thyroid tumorigenesis and progression. The change from valine (V) to glutamic acid (E) at codon 600 of the BRAF gene (BRAF^Val600Glu) is the most commonly reported mutation in thyroid cancer. Moreover, the BRAF mutation is not the only mutation that has been correlated with TC. For instance, mutations and overexpression of the KIT gene has been associated with different types of cancer, including lung and colon cancer, and neuroblastoma.

Case presentation

A woman in her early fifties, self-identified as mestizo, from Otavalo, Imbabura-Ecuador had no systemic diseases and denied allergies, but she had a family history of a benign thyroid nodule. Physical examination revealed a thyroid gland enlargement. The fine-needle aspiration biopsy indicated papillary thyroid cancer. The patient underwent a successful total thyroidectomy with an excellent recovery and no additional treatments after surgery. Using Next-Generation sequencing a heterozygous mutation in the BRAF gene, causing an amino acid change Val600Glu was identified. Similarly, in the KIT gene, a heterozygous mutation resulting in an amino acid change Leu678Phe was detected. Moreover, an ancestry analysis was performed, and the results showed 3.1% African, 20.9% European, and 76% Native American ancestry.

Conclusions

This report represents the genetic characteristics of papillary thyroid cancer in an Ecuadorian woman with a mainly Native American ethnic component. Further studies of pathological variants are needed to determine if the combined demographic and molecular profiles are useful to develop targeted treatments focused on the Ecuadorian population.

Targeting Stress Erythropoiesis Pathways in Cancer

Cancer-related anemia (CRA) is a common multifactorial disorder that adversely affects the quality of life and overall prognosis in patients with cancer. Safety concerns associated with the most common CRA treatment options, including intravenous iron therapy and erythropoietic-stimulating agents, have often resulted in no or suboptimal anemia management for many cancer patients. Chronic anemia creates a vital need to restore normal erythropoietic output and therefore activates the mechanisms of stress erythropoiesis (SE). A growing body of evidence demonstrates that bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) signaling, along with glucocorticoids, erythropoietin, stem cell factor, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and hypoxia-inducible factors, plays a pivotal role in SE. Nevertheless, a chronic state of SE may lead to ineffective erythropoiesis, characterized by the expansion of erythroid progenitor pool, that largely fails to differentiate and give rise to mature red blood cells, further aggravating CRA. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge on the emerging roles for stress erythroid progenitors and activated SE pathways in tumor progression, highlighting the urgent need to suppress ineffective erythropoiesis in cancer patients and develop an optimal treatment strategy as well as a personalized approach to CRA management.

The role of PI3K signaling pathway and its associated genes in papillary thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

One of the well-differentiated types of thyroid cancer is papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), often developed by genetic mutations and radiation.

METHODS

In this study, the public NCBI-GEO database was systematically searched. The eligible datasets were the targets for biomarker discovery associated with PI3K signaling pathway.

RESULTS

Only two datasets were suitable and passed the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis outcomes revealed eleven upregulation and thirteen downregulation genes differentially expressed between PTC and healthy tissues. Moreover, the outcomes for survival and disease-free rates for each gene were illustrated.

CONCLUSIONS

The present research suggests a panel signature of 24 gene biomarkers in diagnosing the PTC.

A Potential Tumor Suppressor Gene Named miR-508-5p Inhibited the Proliferation and Invasion of Human Melanoma Cells by Targeting KIT

Melanoma is the main death cause of human skin cancer. Increasing evidences demonstrate that microRNAs act as key roles in mediating tumor occurrence and progression. MiR-508-5p has proved to participate in the development of various types of human malignancies. However, the role of miR-508-5p in melanoma remained unclear. In in vitro study, miR-508-5p level in peripheral blood samples of patients with melanoma and human melanoma A375 cells was downregulated compared to that in normal peripheral blood samples or normal human epidermal melanocytes (MHEM). MiR-508-5p overexpression significantly inhibited the cell proliferation, migration and invasion in A375 cells, and thus inhibiting KIT expression at both gene and protein levels. Furthermore, western blot analysis showed miR-508-5p reduced cell proliferation by targeting KIT to modulate RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK pathway. Taken together, we speculated that miR-508-5p functioned as an important suppressor in human melanoma by targeting KIT, suggesting miR-508-5p might be a promising tumor suppressor gene for further target therapies from bench to clinic.

Biomarkers, Master Regulators and Genomic Fabric Remodeling in a Case of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

Publicly available (own) transcriptomic data have been analyzed to quantify the alteration in functional pathways in thyroid cancer, establish the gene hierarchy, identify potential gene targets and predict the effects of their manipulation. The expression data have been generated by profiling one case of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and genetically manipulated BCPAP (papillary) and 8505C (anaplastic) human thyroid cancer cell lines. The study used the genomic fabric paradigm that considers the transcriptome as a multi-dimensional mathematical object based on the three independent characteristics that can be derived for each gene from the expression data. We found remarkable remodeling of the thyroid hormone synthesis, cell cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and apoptosis pathways. Serine peptidase inhibitor, Kunitz type, 2 (SPINT2) was identified as the Gene Master Regulator of the investigated PTC. The substantial increase in the expression synergism of SPINT2 with apoptosis genes in the cancer nodule with respect to the surrounding normal tissue (NOR) suggests that SPINT2 experimental overexpression may force the PTC cells into apoptosis with a negligible effect on the NOR cells. The predictive value of the expression coordination for the expression regulation was validated with data from 8505C and BCPAP cell lines before and after lentiviral transfection with DDX19B.

Identification of kit-ligand a as the Gene Responsible for the Medaka Pigment Cell Mutant few melanophore

The body coloration of animals is due to pigment cells derived from neural crest cells, which are multipotent and differentiate into diverse cell types. Medaka (Oryzias latipes) possesses four distinct types of pigment cells known as melanophores, xanthophores, iridophores, and leucophores. The few melanophore (fm) mutant of medaka is characterized by reduced numbers of melanophores and leucophores. We here identify kit-ligand a (kitlga) as the gene whose mutation gives rise to the fm phenotype. This identification was confirmed by generation of kitlga knockout medaka and the findings that these fish also manifest reduced numbers of melanophores and leucophores and fail to rescue the fm mutant phenotype. We also found that expression of sox5, pax7a, pax3a, and mitfa genes is down-regulated in both fm and kitlga knockout medaka, implicating c-Kit signaling in regulation of the expression of these genes as well as the encoded transcription factors in pigment cell specification. Our results may provide insight into the pathogenesis of c-Kit-related pigmentation disorders such as piebaldism in humans, and our kitlga knockout medaka may prove useful as a tool for drug screening.

Comprehensive Genomic Review of TCGA Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas (HNSCC)

The aim of this present study was to comprehensively describe somatic DNA alterations and transcriptional alterations in the last extension of the HNSCC subsets in TCGA, encompassing a total of 528 tumours. In order to achieve this goal, transcriptional analysis, functional enrichment assays, survival analysis, somatic copy number alteration analysis and somatic alteration analysis were carried out. A total of 3491 deregulated genes were found in HNSCC patients, and the functional analysis carried out determined that tissue development and cell differentiation were the most relevant signalling pathways in upregulated and downregulated genes, respectively. Somatic copy number alteration analysis showed a “top five” altered HNSCC genes: CDKN2A (deleted in 32.03% of patients), CDKN2B (deleted in 28.34% of patients), PPFIA1 (amplified in 26.02% of patients), FADD (amplified in 25.63% of patients) and ANO1 (amplified in 25.44% of patients). Somatic mutations analysis revealed TP53 mutation in 72% of the tumour samples followed by TTN (39%), FAT1 (23%) and MUC16 (19%). Another interesting result is the mutual exclusivity pattern that was discovered between the TP53 and PIK3CA mutations, and the co-occurrence of CDKN2A with the TP53 and FAT1 alterations. On analysis to relate differential expression genes and somatic copy number alterations, some genes were overexpressed and amplified, for example, FOXL2, but other deleted genes also showed overexpression, such as CDKN2A. Survival analysis revealed that overexpression of some oncogenes, such as EGFR, CDK6 or CDK4 were associated with poorer prognosis tumours. These new findings help us to develop new therapies and programs for the prevention of HNSCC.

MicroRNA-664 suppresses the growth of cervical cancer cells via targeting c-Kit

Background

Cervical cancer is the second most common malignant cancer in women worldwide. Evidence indicated that miR-664 was significantly downregulated in cervical cancer. However, the mechanisms by which miR-664 regulates the tumorigenesis of cervical cancer remain unclear. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the role of miR-664 in cervical cancer.

Methods

Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the level of miR-664 in tumor tissues and cell line. The dual luciferase reporter system assay and Western blotting were used to explore the interaction of miR-664 and c-Kit in cervical cancer.

Results

The expression of miR-664 in patients with cervical cancer was dramatically decreased compared with that in adjacent tissues. MiR-664 mimics significantly inhibited proliferation in SiHa cells via inducing apoptosis. In addition, miR-664 mimics induced apoptosis in SiHa cells via increasing the expressions of Bax and active caspase 3 and decreasing the level of Bcl-2. Moreover, dual-luciferase assay showed that c-Kit was the directly binding target of miR-664 in SiHa cells; overexpression of miR-664 downregulated the expression of c-Kit. Meanwhile, upregulation of miR-664 significantly decreased the levels of c-Myc and Cyclin D in cells. Furthermore, miR-664 markedly inhibited tumor growth of cervical cancer in xenograft.

Conclusion

Our data indicated that miR-664 exerted antitumor effects on SiHa cells by directly targeting c-Kit in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, miR-664 might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of patients with cervical cancer.

Expression of AMHR2 and C-KIT in cervical lesions in Uyghur Women of Xinjiang, China

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in women. Anti-Müllerian hormone receptor 2 (AMHR2) and C-Kit were two members of protein kinase which were reported increased in some cancers like ovarian carcinoma and breast cancer. The present study aimed to assess the expression of AMHR2 and c-Kit in cervical cancer of different differentiated degrees as well as in cervicitis sections.

METHODS

All the lesions were collected randomly during clinical observations in hospitals located in Xinjiang, China. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect AMHR2 and c-Kit expression in cervical samples from women who had been infected with human papilloma virus (HPV)16. The expression rate was compared between cervical cancer of well, moderately and poorly differentiated and cervicitis.

RESULTS

The average age of the patients was 45 years; ranged from 23 to 80. For AMHR2, all 17 cervicitis samples ranged from (++) to (++++), while cervical cancer showed 11 (+), 9 (++), 15 (+++),9 (++++), and 8 (-), which showed AMHR2 expression was lessen with the poorer of differentiation degree of cervical cancer (P < .05). For c-Kit, 18 cervicitis samples mainly expressed as (-) with none showed (+++) or (++++), while cervical cancer samples showed 7 (-), 6 (+), 1 (++), 2 (+++), and 8 (++++), which indicated c-Kit's expression increased with the reduction of cervical cancer's differentiation degree (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

AMHR2 might have some correlation with self defense of our body, while c-Kit might link with the potential invasive capacity of cervical cancer.

Cpt1c regulated by AMPK promotes papillary thyroid carcinomas cells survival under metabolic stress conditions

Background: Cancer cells have to take metabolic transformation in tumor progression when facing need of increased energy and adequate vascularization. However, molecular mechanism is not fully known. In this study, we showed that expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1C (Cpt1c), as a member of the gate-keeper enzymes , which transferring long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria to further oxidation, which is regulated by AMPK promotes papillary thyroid carcinomas cells survival under metabolic stress conditions.

Methods: Firstly, we used qRT-PCR to detect expression of Cpt1c in papillary thyroid carcinomas tissues compared with paired normal tissues. Secondly, to evaluate whether Cpt1c is induced under metabolic stress, models of hypoxia (0.2% oxygen) and glucose deprivation for cultured papillary thyroid carcinomas cells were established. Lastly, KTC-1 cells were treated with AICAR (as an agonist of AMPK) and Compound C (as an inhibitor of AMPK) to investigate the correlation of AMPK activity with Cpt1c expression under metabolic stress.

Results: Cpt1c is higher in papillary thyroid carcinomas tissues compared with paired normal tissues. Furthermore, Cpt1c up-regulation promotes cancer cell growth and metastasis. In addition, the results showed that Cpt1c expression is induced by metabolic stress, including hypoxia and low glucose treatment. Consistently, Cpt1c can protect cells from cancer cells death caused by hypoxia and low glucose. Lastly, Cpt1c expression is regulated by AMPK activity.

Conclusion: Here we describe that induction of Cpt1c expression facing metabolic stress in papillary thyroid carcinomas is at least partly regulated by AMPK activity and ultimately contribute to development and progression of papillary thyroid carcinomas.