Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
BRMS1 downregulation is a poor prognostic biomarker in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma patients
Yu Wu1,2,3,4,5, Huijuan Wang1,2,3,4, Jingtai Zhi1,2,3,4
1Department of Thyroid and Neck Tumor, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300600, People's Republic of China.
Background:
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive cancer in humans with no optimal treatment strategy available. The molecular mechanisms of ATC remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value and role of BRMS1 in the progression of ATC.
Methods:
BRMS1 expression was examined in thyroid cell lines using Western blot analysis. Immunohistochemistry was also performed to assess BRMS1 expression in ATC and papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) tissue. Cell proliferation assays, colony formation analysis, cell migration assays, cell apoptosis analysis, and animal studies were used to examine the effects of BRMS1 expression on ATC progression.
Results:
The expression of BRMS1 was significantly lower in ATC than in PTC and was associated with poor prognosis in ATC patients. Downregulation of BRMS1 expression promoted the proliferation and migration of 8505C cells and decreased their expression of CX43. Over-expressed BRMS1 promoted the apoptosis and impaired the proliferation and migration of CAL-62 cells via upregulated CX43. In vivo, BRMS1 significantly promoted apoptosis and impaired cell proliferation.
Conclusion:
Taken together, these findings demonstrate that decreased expression of BRMS1 is a poor prognostic biomarker in ATC patients. BRMS1 significantly promoted apoptosis and impaired cell proliferation via CX43 and P53. Loss of BRMS1 expression is therefore, one of the key pathomechanisms in ATC.
Insights
Reduced BRMS1 expression is a poor prognostic biomarker in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). BRMS1 promotes apoptosis and impairs proliferation, suggesting its loss is a key mechanism in ATC progression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a highly aggressive human cancer with limited treatment options.
- The underlying molecular mechanisms driving ATC progression are not fully understood.
- Investigating novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets is crucial for improving ATC patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prognostic significance of BRMS1 in ATC.
- To elucidate the role of BRMS1 in the molecular pathogenesis of ATC.
- To explore the potential of BRMS1 as a therapeutic target in ATC.
Main Methods:
- BRMS1 expression was analyzed in thyroid cancer cell lines and patient tissues using Western blot and immunohistochemistry.
- Functional assays including proliferation, migration, and apoptosis assays were performed.
- In vivo studies in animal models were conducted to assess the impact of BRMS1 on tumor growth and apoptosis.
Main Results:
- BRMS1 expression was significantly lower in ATC compared to papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) and correlated with poor prognosis.
- Downregulation of BRMS1 enhanced proliferation and migration while decreasing CX43 expression in ATC cells.
- Overexpression of BRMS1 induced apoptosis and inhibited proliferation/migration, partly through upregulation of CX43 and P53.
Conclusions:
- Decreased BRMS1 expression serves as a significant poor prognostic biomarker in ATC.
- BRMS1 plays a critical role in regulating apoptosis and cell proliferation in ATC.
- The loss of BRMS1 is identified as a key molecular mechanism contributing to ATC development and progression.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Receptor Downregulation in MVBs
The EGFR can initiate signaling pathways that lead to cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Overexpression of EGFR stimulates cells to proliferate. Excessive EGFR...
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
02:23Abnormal Proliferation