CUX2 functions as an oncogene in papillary thyroid cancer
Related Experiment Video For CUX2
Updated: Jan 30, 2026
Transoral Robotic Total Thyroidectomy and Bilateral Central Regional Lymph Node Dissection for Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Published on: September 15, 2023
Yihan Sun1, Danrong Ye1, Yuefeng Li1
1Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 32500, China, zhangxiaohua1126@163.com.
Background:
In recent years, the incidence of thyroid cancer (TC), the most common endocrine malignancy, has been increasing. Emerging evidence indicates that the CUT/CUX/CDP family of proteins can play an important role in tumor development and progression by regulating many cancer-related functions. However, the molecular functions of CUX2 in TC remain unknown.
Methods:
In this study, we used a series of loss-of-function experiments and Western blot analysis to investigate the function of CUX2 in TC and the mechanisms involved.
Results:
Our data revealed that CUX2 expression levels were upregulated in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Functionally, CUX2 silencing significantly inhibited PTC cell line (KTC-1 and BCPAP) proliferation, colony formation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. Furthermore, CUX2 induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and influenced the phosphorylation of AKT and mTOR in the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathways.
Conclusion:
In summary, CUX2 may function as a tumor promoter in TC.
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