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Growth-suppressive function of phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein in anaplastic thyroid cancer

Junko Akaishi1, Masamitsu Onda, Shinichi Asaka

  • 1Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Gerontology, Nippon Medical School, 1-396, Kosugi-cho, Nakahara-ku, Kawasaki 211-8533, Japan. s4067@nms.ac.jp

Anticancer Research
|January 5, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PBP) is down-regulated in anaplastic thyroid cancer. Restoring PBP expression suppressed cancer cell growth, indicating its role as a tumor suppressor.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • A cDNA microarray identified down-regulation of phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein (PBP), also known as RAF kinase inhibitor protein (RKIP), in anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines (ACL).
  • This down-regulation was observed when comparing ACL to normal thyroid tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression levels of PBP in various thyroid cancer types and normal human organs.
  • To determine the functional role of PBP in anaplastic thyroid cancer, specifically its potential as a tumor suppressor.

Main Methods:

  • Examined PBP expression in primary anaplastic and papillary thyroid cancers, various thyroid cancer cell lines (anaplastic, papillary, follicular), and normal human organs.
  • Conducted cell-growth assays to evaluate the functional impact of PBP.

Main Results:

  • PBP expression was significantly reduced in anaplastic thyroid cancers compared to normal thyroid tissues and differentiated thyroid cancers.
  • PBP demonstrated ubiquitous expression in normal human tissues.
  • Introduction of exogenous PBP suppressed the growth of anaplastic thyroid cancer cell lines, suggesting a tumor suppressive role.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides the first evidence that PBP may function as a tumor suppressor in thyroid cancer.
  • The loss of PBP is potentially associated with the progression of differentiated thyroid cancer to anaplastic thyroid cancer.

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