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Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: Molecular Distinction by MicroRNA Profiling
Francesca Galuppini1, Simona Censi2, Isabella Merante Boschin2
1Pathology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Frontiers in Endocrinology
|March 14, 2022
Summary
MicroRNA (miRNA) expression profiles help differentiate papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) subtypes. Specific miRNAs are overexpressed in the hobnail variant, distinguishing it from classic PTC and BRAF mutations.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) exhibits diverse histological variants, each with distinct molecular and prognostic features.
- MicroRNA (miRNA) expression profiling is crucial for understanding the molecular underpinnings of PTC subtypes.
- Identifying unique miRNA signatures can aid in characterizing and differentiating PTC variants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare miRNA expression profiles across different histological variants of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
- To determine if specific miRNA signatures can distinguish between hobnail PTC, classic PTC, and PTC with BRAF p.K601E mutation.
- To identify key miRNAs associated with the hobnail variant of PTC.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 35 PTC samples, including hobnail variant, classic variant, and those with BRAF p.K601E mutation.
- Determination of overall miRNA expression profiles using NanoString technology.
- Validation of selected miRNA expression using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR and in situ hybridization.
Main Results:
- A distinct miRNA signature was identified that consistently differentiates specific PTC histotypes and mutational profiles.
- Three miRNAs (miR-21-5p, miR-146b-5p, and miR-205-5p) were significantly overexpressed in the hobnail PTC variant compared to classic PTC and BRAF p.K601E mutated PTC.
- The study confirmed a link between specific miRNA signatures and unique histological variants and BRAF mutations in PTC.
Conclusions:
- Distinct miRNA expression profiles are associated with specific histological variants and BRAF mutations in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
- The identified miRNA signature can serve as a molecular marker for differentiating PTC subtypes, particularly the hobnail variant.
- Further research into the downstream functions of these miRNAs and their target messenger RNAs (mRNAs) is warranted for a comprehensive understanding of PTC pathogenesis.
