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Transcription factor levels in medullary thyroid carcinoma cells differentiated by Harvey ras oncogene: c-jun is

B D Nelkin1, M Borges, M Mabry

  • 1Oncology Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|July 16, 1990
PubMed

Insights

The viral Harvey ras (v-rasH) oncogene triggers differentiation in human medullary thyroid carcinoma TT cells. This process involves increased levels of the c-jun transcription factor, indicating its role in oncogene-induced cell differentiation.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology
  • Cellular Differentiation

Background:

  • Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a neuroendocrine tumor of the thyroid gland.
  • The TT cell line is a widely used model for studying MTC.
  • Oncogenes, such as viral Harvey ras (v-rasH), can influence cell behavior, including differentiation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying v-rasH-induced differentiation in TT cells.
  • To identify specific transcription factors that are altered during this differentiation process.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the TT cell line derived from human medullary thyroid carcinoma.
  • Induced differentiation using the viral Harvey ras (v-rasH) oncogene.
  • Assessed changes in gene expression (mRNA) and protein levels of transcription factors.

Main Results:

  • v-rasH oncogene induced differentiation in TT cells, characterized by morphological changes, reduced growth, and increased calcitonin gene expression.
  • Significant upregulation of the transcription factor c-jun at both mRNA and functional protein levels was observed.
  • Nuclear proteins associated with AP2, AP3, NF1/CTF, and Sp1 binding activities remained unchanged.

Conclusions:

  • The c-jun transcription factor plays a crucial role in v-rasH-mediated differentiation of human medullary thyroid carcinoma TT cells.
  • v-rasH-induced differentiation involves specific alterations in transcription factor activity, highlighting c-jun as a key player.

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