Proteomics profile in encapsulated follicular patterned thyroid neoplasms

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Oncology
• Proteomics

Background:

• Diagnosing encapsulated follicular-patterned thyroid tumors is challenging due to similar morphology and molecular profiles.
• Invasive Encapsulated Follicular Variant of Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma (IEFVPTC), Non-invasive Follicular Thyroid Neoplasm with Papillary-like Nuclear Features (NIFTP), and Well-Differentiated Tumor of Uncertain Malignant Potential (WDT-UMP) require accurate differentiation for appropriate management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate protein expression differences among IEFVPTC, NIFTP, and WDT-UMP using proteomic analysis.
• To identify potential biomarkers for distinguishing these thyroid neoplasms and understand their underlying tumorigenesis.

Main Methods:

• Total shotgun proteome analysis was performed on normal thyroid tissues and three types of thyroid tumors (12 normal, 13 IEFVPTC, 11 NIFTP, 10 WDT-UMP).
• Quantitative protein expression data was analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and differential expression analysis.

Main Results:

• PCA revealed distinct separation between IEFVPTC and normal thyroid tissues, differentiating them from the low-risk group (NIFTP and WDT-UMP).
• IEFVPTC exhibited a higher number of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) compared to NIFTP and WDT-UMP.
• No specific protein markers were identified to differentiate NIFTP from WDT-UMP.
• DEPs in IEFVPTC were significantly associated with thyroid tumor progression pathways and immune checkpoint inhibitor response, suggesting prognostic potential.

Conclusions:

• The proteomic profile of IEFVPTC is distinct from that of low-risk follicular-patterned thyroid tumors (NIFTP, WDT-UMP).
• These proteomic differences provide insights into thyroid tumor biology and tumorigenesis.
• The findings may form a basis for developing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for follicular-patterned thyroid neoplasms.