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Published on: August 23, 2019

Reduced expression of N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 2 in human thyroid cancer

Huadong Zhao1, Jian Zhang, Jianguo Lu

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, PR China. zhaolujy@fmmu.edu.cn

BMC Cancer
|October 23, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is downregulated in thyroid carcinomas, suggesting its role in thyroid cancer development. Further research is needed to confirm if NDRG2 loss causes or results from cancer progression.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • N-Myc downstream-regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is implicated in tumor suppression and differentiation.
  • NDRG2 expression is altered in various human cancers.
  • Its role in thyroid carcinogenesis remains largely unexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression profile of NDRG2 in thyroid adenomas and carcinomas.
  • To determine the correlation between NDRG2 expression and clinicopathological features of thyroid cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Examined NDRG2 protein and mRNA levels in 40 thyroid adenomas, 35 thyroid carcinomas, and adjacent normal tissues.
  • Utilized immunohistochemistry, quantitative RT-PCR, and western blotting.
  • Assessed c-Myc expression alongside NDRG2.

Main Results:

  • NDRG2 protein and mRNA expression were significantly decreased in thyroid carcinomas compared to normal tissues.
  • NDRG2 expression showed minimal difference in adenomas versus normal tissues.
  • No significant correlation was found between NDRG2 levels and gender, age, histotype, or metastasis.

Conclusions:

  • NDRG2 downregulation may play a role in thyroid carcinogenesis.
  • This study highlights NDRG2's potential involvement in thyroid cancer development.
  • Further investigation is required to establish causality between NDRG2 downregulation and thyroid cancer progression.

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