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Published on: August 23, 2019
Roles of SHARP1 in thyroid cancer
Zun-Hai Zhou1, Bo Wang1, Xiao-Bing Cheng1
1Department of Endocrinology, Yangpu Hospital, Shanghai Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200090, P.R. China.
Abstract:
SHARP1 is a basic helix‑loop‑helix transcription factor involved in various cellular processes, including proliferation and differentiation. The present study assessed the role of SHARP1 in the progression and invasion of thyroid cancer. PCR and western blot analysis demonstrated that in thyroid cancer tissues, SHARP1 was significantly downregulated at the mRNA and protein level compared with that in normal tissues. Furthermore, SHARP1 was downregulated in the TT and TPC‑1 thyroid cancer cell lines compared with a normal thyroid cell line, while it was upregulated in other thyroid cancer cell lines. Overexpression of SHARP1 in TT and TPC‑1 cells significantly inhibited the cell viability, migration and invasion in vitro. Furthermore, the protein and mRNA levels of HIF‑1α were found to be decreased in TT and TPC‑1 cells following forced overexpression of SHARP1. In addition, silencing of HIF‑1α reduced the viability, migration and invasion of TT and TPC-1 cells. In conclusion, the present study indicated that SHARP1 acts as a tumor suppressor in thyroid cancer and that its downregulation may contribute to the proliferation, migration and invasion of thyroid cancer cells through mechanisms possibly involving HIF‑1α, suggesting that SHARP1 may be an important therapeutic target for the treatment of thyroid cancer.
Insights
SHARP1 acts as a tumor suppressor in thyroid cancer. Its reduced expression promotes cancer cell proliferation and invasion, potentially via HIF-1α, highlighting SHARP1 as a therapeutic target.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- SHARP1, a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, regulates cellular processes.
- Thyroid cancer progression involves complex molecular alterations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of SHARP1 in thyroid cancer progression and invasion.
- To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms involving HIF-1α.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative PCR and Western blot analysis were used to assess SHARP1 and HIF-1α expression.
- In vitro experiments involved SHARP1 overexpression and HIF-1α silencing in thyroid cancer cell lines.
Main Results:
- SHARP1 was significantly downregulated in thyroid cancer tissues and cell lines.
- SHARP1 overexpression inhibited thyroid cancer cell viability, migration, and invasion.
- SHARP1 downregulation correlated with increased HIF-1α levels, and HIF-1α silencing reduced cancer cell aggressiveness.
Conclusions:
- SHARP1 functions as a tumor suppressor in thyroid cancer.
- Downregulation of SHARP1 contributes to thyroid cancer progression, possibly through HIF-1α.
- SHARP1 represents a potential therapeutic target for thyroid cancer treatment.
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