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Epigenetic regulation of RET receptor tyrosine kinase and non-coding RNAs in MTC

Lauren Jin Suk Joo1, Jing Ting Zhao1, Matti L Gild2

  • 1Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School Northern, Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|March 19, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a rare cancer needing new treatments. This review explores how epigenetic changes, like DNA methylation, affect MTC and discusses targeting these epigenetic mechanisms for novel therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Epigenetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is an aggressive, rare malignancy with limited therapeutic options for advanced stages.
  • Understanding MTC's underlying biology is crucial for developing more effective treatments.
  • Epigenetics, involving gene expression changes without altering DNA sequence, offers a promising avenue for cancer research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current understanding of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
  • To explore the intricate links between epigenetic alterations and MTC development.
  • To highlight the potential of targeting epigenetic mechanisms as novel therapeutic strategies for MTC.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of MTC biology and epigenetics.
  • Analysis of epigenetic modifications implicated in MTC tumorigenesis.
  • Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting epigenetic dysregulation.

Main Results:

  • Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and microRNA deregulation, are implicated in MTC tumorigenesis.
  • The REarranged during Transfection (RET) proto-oncogene, a key driver in MTC, is subject to epigenetic modulation.
  • Targeting epigenetic mechanisms presents a promising approach for novel MTC therapies.

Conclusions:

  • Epigenetic alterations play a significant role in the development and progression of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
  • Targeting these epigenetic mechanisms offers a potential new frontier for MTC treatment strategies.
  • Further research into MTC epigenetics could lead to improved patient outcomes.
Keywords:
EpigeneticsMedullary thyroid carcinomaMicroRNANoncoding RNARET

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