Gamma-glutamyl cyclotransferase, a molecule identified from the invasive front of follicular thyroid carcinoma, is useful for differential diagnosis of follicular thyroid tumors

Toshiyuki Mitsuhashi ¹, Sachiko Ogasawara ², Masamichi Nakayama ²

⁰Department of Pathology, Kurume University School of Medicine, Asahi-machi 67, Kurume 830-0011, Japan; Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Kurume University School of Medicine, Asahi-machi 67, Kurume 830-0011, Japan.

Pathology, Research and Practice +

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November 2, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

Gamma-glutamyl cyclotransferase (GGCT) shows higher expression in follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) than in follicular adenoma (FA). GGCT serves as a promising molecular marker for distinguishing between these thyroid tumors.

Area Of Science

Endocrinology
Oncology
Molecular Biology

Background

Differentiating follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) from follicular adenoma (FA) is crucial for patient management.
Accurate molecular markers are needed to improve diagnostic accuracy.

Purpose Of The Study

To identify a reliable molecular marker for distinguishing FTC from FA.
To evaluate the diagnostic potential of gamma-glutamyl cyclotransferase (GGCT) expression.

Main Methods

Laser microdissection and cDNA microarray analysis were used to identify candidate markers.
Immunohistochemical staining for GGCT was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues from FTC, FA, and follicular tumor of uncertain malignant potential (FT-UMP).
Ki-67 labeling index was assessed for comparison.

Main Results

Gamma-glutamyl cyclotransferase (GGCT) was found to be highly expressed in the invasive front of FTC.
GGCT expression scores were significantly higher in FTC compared to FA (P < 0.0001).
GGCT achieved 68.8% sensitivity and 87.5% specificity in differentiating FTC from FA (AUC = 0.832), outperforming Ki-67 (50.0% sensitivity, 80.0% specificity, AUC = 0.677).

Conclusions

Gamma-glutamyl cyclotransferase (GGCT) is a potential molecular marker for differentiating follicular thyroid carcinoma from follicular adenoma.
Elevated GGCT expression in FTC may correlate with its invasive and proliferative characteristics.

Keywords:

Follicular adenoma Follicular thyroid carcinoma Gamma-glutamyl cyclotransferase Invasion Invasive front Ki-67 Thyroid gland