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Published on: August 23, 2019
Epigenetic dysregulation in thyroid neoplasia
Tetsuo Kondo1, Sylvia L Asa, Shereen Ezzat
1Department of Pathology, University of Yamanashi, Japan.
Summary
Epigenetic gene silencing plays a crucial role in thyroid cancer development. Understanding these epigenetic changes offers new avenues for thyroid cancer diagnosis and targeted therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Thyroid carcinogenesis involves oncogene mutations and tumor suppressor gene inactivation.
- Epigenetic events are increasingly recognized for their role in human tumorigenesis.
- Epigenetic silencing of tumor suppressor and thyroid hormone-related genes occurs in thyroid tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence of epigenetic gene dysregulation in follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinomas.
- To discuss the role of epigenetics in the development and progression of thyroid cancer.
- To explore future applications of epigenetics in thyroid cancer diagnostics and therapeutics.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on epigenetic gene dysregulation in thyroid cancer.
- Analysis of evidence for epigenetic silencing in papillary, follicular, and undifferentiated thyroid carcinomas.
- Synthesis of current understanding of epigenetic mechanisms in thyroid tumorigenesis.
Main Results:
- Epigenetic gene dysregulation is evident across various thyroid carcinoma subtypes.
- Specific tumor suppressor and thyroid hormone-related genes are frequently epigenetically silenced.
- These epigenetic alterations contribute to thyroid cancer development and progression.
Conclusions:
- Epigenetic modifications are significant drivers in follicular cell-derived thyroid carcinomas.
- Epigenetics holds promise for developing novel diagnostic tools for thyroid cancer.
- Targeted epigenetic therapies represent a future direction for thyroid cancer treatment.
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