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The status of CDKN2A alpha (p16INK4A) and beta (p14ARF) transcripts in thyroid tumour progression

A Ferru1, G Fromont, H Gibelin

  • 1Laboratoire d'Oncologie Moléculaire EA3805, PBS, Cité Hospitalière de la Milétrie, Avenue du Recteur Pineau 86021, Poitiers, France.

British Journal of Cancer
|November 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

The CDKN2A gene

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The CDKN2A gene locus on chromosome 9p21 encodes tumor suppressor proteins p16INK4A and p14ARF.
  • These proteins regulate key cellular pathways, including the retinoblastoma (RB) protein pathway and the ARF-Mdm2-p53 pathway.
  • Dysregulation of tumor suppressor genes is implicated in various cancers, including thyroid cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of CDKN2A gene products (p16INK4A and p14ARF) in the development and progression of differentiated thyroid cancer.
  • To assess the expression levels of CDKN2A transcripts and proteins in different types of thyroid tumors.

Main Methods:

  • Real-time quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure transcript levels.
  • Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess protein expression.
  • Sixty thyroid tumor specimens were analyzed and compared to non-tumoral thyroid tissues.

Main Results:

  • Overexpression of p14ARF and p16INK4A was observed in follicular adenomas, follicular carcinomas, and papillary carcinomas.
  • Downregulation of these proteins was noted in oncocytic adenomas compared to normal thyroid tissue.
  • Statistically significant deregulation of p16INK4A was found in follicular adenomas (P=0.006).
  • A significant relationship between p14ARF and E2F1 was observed in most histological types (r=0.64 to 1, P<0.05).

Conclusions:

  • CDKN2A transcript upregulation appears to be an early event in thyroid follicular tumorigenesis.
  • Observed deregulations in CDKN2A gene products are not correlated with clinical outcomes.
  • These findings suggest that CDKN2A alterations may not serve as prognostic markers for differentiated thyroid cancer.

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