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Updated: Dec 20, 2025

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Brn3a/Pou4f1 Functions as a Tumor Suppressor by Targeting c-MET/STAT3 Signaling in Thyroid Cancer

Seung-Nam Jung1, Yea Eun Kang2, Gun Ho Lee1

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism
|June 1, 2020
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Brn3a acts as a tumor suppressor in thyroid cancer by inhibiting cell migration and invasion. This transcription factor

Area of Science:

  • Molecular oncology
  • Cancer biology
  • Transcription factors

Background:

  • Brn3a (Pou4f1) is a transcription factor found in various cancers.
  • Its role in thyroid cancer progression remains uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of Brn3a in thyroid cancer progression.
  • To analyze the clinical implications of Brn3a in thyroid cancer.

Main Methods:

  • Analyzed Brn3a expression in thyroid cancer patients using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.
  • Performed in vitro assays (proliferation, migration, invasion) and Western blotting after Brn3a manipulation (overexpression/suppression).

Main Results:

  • Brn3a promoter hypermethylation and downregulation observed in aggressive thyroid cancer.
  • Low Brn3a expression correlated with aggressive phenotypes (T stage, extrathyroid extension).
  • Brn3a overexpression suppressed migration/invasion by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and STAT3 signaling via c-MET.
  • Brn3a knockdown increased migration/invasion by upregulating c-MET/STAT3.

Conclusions:

  • Brn3a functions as a tumor suppressor in thyroid cancer, reducing cell migration and invasion.
  • Targeting Brn3a-regulated pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies for thyroid cancer metastasis.
Keywords:
Brn3a/Pou4f1STAT3c-METthyroid cancer

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