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Spry2 expression correlates with BRAF mutation in thyroid cancer

Lizhong Xu1, Jun Liang Zhou, Michael Cohen

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.

Surgery
|December 8, 2010
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Spry2 expression correlates with BRAF mutations in thyroid cancer (TC). This suggests Spry2 may indicate mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation, potentially impacting prognosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • BRAF mutations are linked to aggressive thyroid cancer (TC) by activating the MAPK pathway.
  • Spry2 is a negative feedback regulator of the MAPK pathway.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Spry2 in thyroid cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed Spry2 expression and MAPK pathway activation in TC cell lines.
  • Treated cells with MEK inhibitor and Spry2 small hairpin RNA.
  • Examined Spry2 expression and MAPK pathway mutations in human papillary TCs.

Main Results:

  • BRAF V600E mutant (BRAF+) cells showed increased baseline pMEK and Spry2 expression.
  • MEK inhibition in BRAF+ cells decreased Spry2 and pMEK/pERK levels.
  • BRAF+ human papillary TCs exhibited increased Spry2 expression.

Conclusions:

  • Spry2 expression correlates with BRAF status in vitro and in human tissues.
  • Spry2 may act as a negative feedback regulator in BRAF+ TC.
  • Increased Spry2 expression could be a marker for MAPK pathway activation with prognostic and therapeutic implications.

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