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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
07:01
An Orthotopic Mouse Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: April 17, 2013
The IGF system in thyroid cancer: new concepts
V Vella1, L Sciacca, G Pandini
1Cattedra di Endocrinologia, Istituto di Medicina Interna, Malattie Endocrine e del Metabolismo, University of Catania, Ospedale Garibaldi, Catania, Italy.
Molecular Pathology : MP
|May 29, 2001
Summary
The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system is complex in thyroid cancer. Overexpressed insulin receptors (IRs) and IR/IGF-I-R hybrids drive tumor growth and IGF-I signaling.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, particularly the type I IGF receptor (IGF-I-R), is implicated in cancer progression and apoptosis resistance.
- Strategies targeting IGF-I-R are common, but the IGF system's complexity suggests other receptors are involved.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the complexity of the IGF system in thyroid cancer.
- To analyze the production and receptor expression of IGF-I and IGF-II in thyroid tumors.
Main Methods:
- Quantification of IGF-I and IGF-II production in malignant and normal thyroid tissues.
- Assessment of IGF-I receptor (IGF-I-R) and insulin receptor (IR) expression across various thyroid cancer histotypes.
- Analysis of IR/IGF-I-R hybrid formation and the relative abundance of IR isoform A (IR-A).
Main Results:
- IGF-I and IGF-II are locally produced in thyroid cancer tissues at higher levels than in normal tissues.
- IGF-I-Rs are overexpressed in differentiated papillary carcinomas, while IRs are significantly overexpressed in all thyroid cancer histotypes.
- High levels of IR/IGF-I-R hybrids and IR-A are present in all thyroid cancer types, indicating their role in IGF-I signaling.
Conclusions:
- The insulin receptor (IR) and IR/IGF-I-R hybrids, along with IR-A, are key players in the overactivation of the IGF system in thyroid cancer.
- These findings highlight the crucial role of IR and its variants in mediating IGF-I mitogenic signaling in thyroid tumors.
- Understanding this complex IGF signaling network is vital for developing targeted thyroid cancer therapies.
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