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NrCAM, a neuronal system cell-adhesion molecule, is induced in papillary thyroid carcinomas
B Górka1, J Skubis-Zegadło, M Mikula
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education, Marymoncka 99/103, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland.
British Journal of Cancer
|August 2, 2007
Summary
Neuron-glia-related cell-adhesion molecule (NrCAM) is significantly overexpressed in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). This upregulation occurs at both mRNA and protein levels, regardless of tumor stage, suggesting a role in PTC development.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neuron-glia-related cell-adhesion molecule (NrCAM) is primarily expressed in the nervous system.
- The role of NrCAM in thyroid cancer is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate NrCAM expression in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs).
- To determine if NrCAM levels correlate with tumor stage or size.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative reverse transcriptase (QRT)-PCR to measure mRNA levels.
- Immunohistochemistry (IHC) to assess protein expression and localization.
- Western blot analysis to confirm protein levels.
Main Results:
- NrCAM mRNA was upregulated in all 46 PTCs compared to normal thyroid tissue (1.3- to 30.7-fold higher).
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed significantly higher NrCAM protein expression in PTCs (93.3% of samples).
- Overexpression was independent of tumor stage (pT) or size.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of NrCAM overexpression in human PTCs at both mRNA and protein levels.
- Upregulation of NrCAM may be implicated in the pathogenesis and behavior of papillary thyroid cancers.
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