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Nuclear envelope organization in papillary thyroid carcinoma
A H Fischer1, P Taysavang, C J Weber
1Department of Pathology, Emory University Hospital, Atlanta, USA.
Histology and Histopathology
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Altered nuclear shape in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) is not caused by changes in nuclear envelope proteins. Structural proteins like lamins and LAP2 are normally distributed in PTC nuclei.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) exhibit distinct nuclear morphology.
- The underlying cause of these nuclear shape changes is not fully understood.
- Nuclear envelope structural proteins are potential candidates influencing nuclear shape.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of nuclear envelope structural proteins in the characteristic nuclear shape changes of PTC.
- To determine if altered distribution or expression of these proteins correlates with PTC nuclear morphology.
Main Methods:
- Confocal microscopy was used to examine the distribution of nuclear envelope proteins.
- Semi-quantitative immunoblotting assessed protein abundance and electrophoretic mobility.
- PTC samples were compared to non-neoplastic thyroid tissue and follicular neoplasms.
Main Results:
- Nuclear envelope proteins (Lamin A/C, B1, LAP2, emerin, nuclear pores) were present throughout PTC nuclear irregularities.
- No predictable alteration in distribution or intensity of these proteins was observed.
- Protein abundance and mobility did not differentiate PTC from normal or follicular neoplasms.
- At least three LAP2 isoforms were identified in thyroid tissues.
Conclusions:
- The irregular nuclear shape in PTC is unlikely to be determined by the examined nuclear envelope structural proteins.
- Findings do not support a link between Lamin A/C expression and reduced proliferative activity.
- Further research is needed to identify factors governing PTC nuclear shape.