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Updated: Sep 21, 2025
Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
Published on: February 3, 2023
Looking at Thyroid Cancer from the Tumor-Suppressor Genes Point of View
Sadegh Rajabi1,2, Catherine Alix-Panabières3,4, Arshia Sharbatdar Alaei5
1Traditional Medicine and Materia Medica Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 19839-63113, Iran.
Abstract:
Thyroid cancer is the most frequent endocrine malignancy and accounts for approximately 1% of all diagnosed cancers. A variety of mechanisms are involved in the transformation of a normal tissue into a malignant one. Loss of tumor-suppressor gene (TSG) function is one of these mechanisms. The normal functions of TSGs include cell proliferation and differentiation control, genomic integrity maintenance, DNA damage repair, and signaling pathway regulation. TSGs are generally classified into three subclasses: (i) gatekeepers that encode proteins involved in cell cycle and apoptosis control; (ii) caretakers that produce proteins implicated in the genomic stability maintenance; and (iii) landscapers that, when mutated, create a suitable environment for malignant cell growth. Several possible mechanisms have been implicated in TSG inactivation. Reviewing the various TSG alteration types detected in thyroid cancers may help researchers to better understand the TSG defects implicated in the development/progression of this cancer type and to find potential targets for prognostic, predictive, diagnostic, and therapeutic purposes. Hence, the main purposes of this review article are to describe the various TSG inactivation mechanisms and alterations in human thyroid cancer, and the current therapeutic options for targeting TSGs in thyroid cancer.
Insights
Tumor-suppressor gene (TSG) inactivation drives thyroid cancer development. Understanding TSG alterations and inactivation mechanisms is crucial for developing new targeted therapies for this common endocrine malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, representing about 1% of all cancer diagnoses.
- Tumor-suppressor genes (TSGs) play critical roles in preventing cancer by regulating cell growth, DNA repair, and maintaining genomic stability.
- Dysregulation of TSG function is a key mechanism in cancer development, including thyroid cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the diverse mechanisms of TSG inactivation in human thyroid cancer.
- To detail the specific types of TSG alterations observed in thyroid malignancies.
- To discuss current and potential therapeutic strategies targeting TSGs in thyroid cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on tumor-suppressor genes in thyroid cancer.
- Analysis of TSG classification (gatekeepers, caretakers, landscapers) and their roles.
- Synthesis of information on TSG inactivation pathways and therapeutic implications.
Main Results:
- TSGs are categorized into gatekeepers, caretakers, and landscapers based on their functions in tumor suppression.
- Various mechanisms contribute to TSG inactivation in thyroid cancer, including mutations, epigenetic modifications, and loss of function.
- Identifying specific TSG alterations provides insights into thyroid cancer progression and potential therapeutic vulnerabilities.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of TSG inactivation in thyroid cancer is essential for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
- Targeting TSGs offers promising avenues for developing novel prognostic, predictive, and treatment strategies for thyroid cancer patients.
- Further research into TSG defects can lead to more effective personalized medicine for endocrine malignancies.
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