Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

Employing Digital Droplet PCR to Detect BRAF V600E Mutations in Formalin-fixed Paraffin-embedded Reference Standard Cell Lines
10:16

Employing Digital Droplet PCR to Detect BRAF V600E Mutations in Formalin-fixed Paraffin-embedded Reference Standard Cell Lines

Published on: October 8, 2015

Effect of BRAFV600E mutation on transcription and post-transcriptional regulation in a papillary thyroid carcinoma

Susanne Cahill1, Paul Smyth, Karen Denning

  • 1Dept. of Histopathology, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. sucahill@tcd.ie

Molecular Cancer
|March 16, 2007
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The BRAF oncogene influences microRNA (miRNA) expression in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). This study identified distinct miRNA signatures associated with BRAF mutations, offering insights into PTC development and potential therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics
  • Oncology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of gene expression involved in cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.
  • Aberrant miRNA expression is linked to various cancers, including acting as tumor suppressors or oncogenes.
  • The BRAF V600E mutation is a common genetic alteration in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), driving tumor development via MAPK pathway activation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of the BRAF oncogene on post-transcriptional regulation in PTC.
  • To identify specific microRNA expression profiles associated with BRAF mutations in thyroid cancer.

Main Methods:

  • MicroRNA expression profiling was performed on PTC cell lines with and without BRAF mutations.
  • Comparative analysis was used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs.

Main Results:

  • A distinct miRNA expression signature differentiated PTC cell lines harboring BRAF mutations from normal thyroid cells.
  • 15 miRNAs were significantly upregulated, and 23 miRNAs were downregulated in BRAF-mutated PTC cells.
  • Several identified miRNAs are potentially involved in the pathogenesis of PTC.

Conclusions:

  • BRAF oncogene significantly alters miRNA expression profiles in PTC.
  • miRNA profiling can aid in understanding PTC pathogenesis.
  • Identified miRNAs may serve as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for PTC.

More Related Videos

Characterize Disease-related Mutants of RAF Family Kinases by Using a Set of Practical and Feasible Methods07:49

Characterize Disease-related Mutants of RAF Family Kinases by Using a Set of Practical and Feasible Methods

Published on: July 17, 2019

In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice07:02

In Vivo Inhibition of MicroRNA to Decrease Tumor Growth in Mice

Published on: August 23, 2019

Related Concept Videos

The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones01:20

Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones

Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The iodine is then...
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
Master Transcription Regulators02:23

Master Transcription Regulators

Master transcription regulators are regulatory proteins that are predominantly responsible for regulating the expression of multiple genes. Often these genes work in concert to drive a  complex process. Activation of a master transcription regulator can lead to a cascade of transcriptional activation necessary for that outcome. These regulators can directly bind to the regulatory sequences of the various genes involved, or they can indirectly regulate transcription by binding to regulatory...
Cell Specific Gene Expression01:58

Cell Specific Gene Expression

Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...