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Association between decreased WWOX protein expression and thyroid cancer development
Eduardo P Dias1, Flavio J Pimenta, Marta S Sarquis
1Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil. epdias@gmail.com
Thyroid : Official Journal of the American Thyroid Association
|December 1, 2007
Summary
WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) underexpression is linked to thyroid cancer. Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) showed significantly decreased WWOX expression compared to benign follicular adenomas (FAs) and follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs).
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Chromosomal fragile sites are implicated in cancer development.
- The WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene, located at the FRA16D fragile site, encodes a proapoptotic protein crucial for cellular regulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis that WWOX underexpression contributes to the malignant transformation of thyroid cells.
- To analyze WWOX expression patterns in various thyroid lesions.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of WWOX expression in 53 thyroid tumors (follicular adenomas, follicular thyroid carcinomas, papillary thyroid carcinomas) and normal thyroid tissue.
- Immunohistochemical staining of WWOX in tumor and normal tissues, assessing both the extent and intensity of staining.
Main Results:
- Papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs) exhibited significantly lower WWOX expression compared to follicular adenomas (FAs) and follicular thyroid carcinomas (FTCs).
- In a subset of patients with concomitant FAs and PTCs, PTCs consistently showed absent WWOX expression, reinforcing the findings.
Conclusions:
- WWOX underexpression is identified as a significant factor in the carcinogenesis of papillary thyroid carcinomas.
- Reduced WWOX levels may increase thyroid cell susceptibility to malignant transformation, highlighting its role as a tumor suppressor.
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