Identifying and analyzing the key genes shared by papillary thyroid carcinoma and Hashimoto's thyroiditis using...

Area of Science:

• Genomics and Molecular Biology
• Oncology
• Endocrinology

Background:

• Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is an autoimmune disease associated with an increased risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC).
• Understanding the shared molecular mechanisms between HT and PTC is crucial for improving diagnosis and prognosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key genes common to both Hashimoto's thyroiditis and papillary thyroid carcinoma.
• To elucidate the shared pathogenesis and molecular underpinnings of HT and PTC.

Main Methods:

• Utilized weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential gene expression analysis on GEO datasets (GSE138198 for HT, GSE33630 for PTC).
• Performed functional enrichment analysis (GO, KEGG), predicted regulatory transcription factors and miRNAs, and investigated drug targets.
• Validated key gene expression using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).

Main Results:

• Identified 56 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) common to both HT and PTC.
• Four genes—Alcohol Dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B), Active BCR-related (ABR), alpha-1 antitrypsin (SERPINA1), and lysophosphatidic acid receptor 5 (LPAR5)—were identified as key shared genes.
• EGR1 was identified as a common transcription factor regulating ABR, SERPINA1, and LPAR5; findings were validated experimentally.

Conclusions:

• The four identified genes (ADH1B, ABR, SERPINA1, LPAR5) show diagnostic potential for HT and PTC.
• This study highlights a significant link between ABR and the progression of HT/PTC.
• The findings provide a foundation for understanding the shared pathogenesis of HT and PTC, potentially aiding in improved patient diagnosis and prognosis.