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Gastrin-releasing peptide gene expression in developing, hyperplastic, and neoplastic human thyroid C-cells
M E Sunday1, H J Wolfe, B A Roos
1Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
Endocrinology
|April 1, 1988
Summary
Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is found in human thyroid C-cells, with higher levels in infants and during thyroid cancer. GRP gene expression may influence normal and neoplastic growth.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) is a neuroregulatory hormone and growth factor.
- Its regulation and physiological roles require further definition.
- GRP is the mammalian homolog of bombesin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression pattern of the GRP gene in human thyroid C-cells.
- To explore the role of GRP in normal thyroid development and C-cell neoplasias.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry and immunoperoxidase staining for GRP.
- RNA blot analysis to quantify GRP mRNA levels.
- In situ hybridization to localize GRP mRNA and peptide.
Main Results:
- GRP is expressed in human thyroid C-cells with an ontogenic pattern similar to pulmonary neuroendocrine cells.
- GRP levels are significantly higher in infants and in medullary thyroid carcinomas.
- GRP mRNA and peptide are localized to a majority of C-cells in fetuses/neonates, decreasing in adults.
- Perineoplastic GRP expression observed adjacent to thyroid tumors.
Conclusions:
- The GRP gene is expressed in human thyroid C-cells, showing developmental and neoplastic regulation.
- GRP may play a role in both normal thyroid C-cell growth and thyroid tumorigenesis.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise functions of GRP in the thyroid.