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Updated: Jun 4, 2025

Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer
05:39

Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

Published on: February 3, 2023

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Anillin interacts with RhoA to promote tumor progression in anaplastic thyroid cancer by activating the PI3K/AKT

Shi-Tong Yu1, Bai-Hui Sun1, Jun-Na Ge1

  • 1Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.

Endocrine
|December 31, 2024
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Anillin (ANLN) drives anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) growth and spread by activating the RhoA/PI3K/AKT pathway. Targeting ANLN may offer a new therapeutic strategy for this aggressive cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is highly aggressive with a poor prognosis.
  • Novel therapeutic strategies are urgently needed for ATC.
  • This study explores the role of anillin (ANLN) in ATC progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Investigate the role of anillin (ANLN) in anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC).
  • Determine the impact of ANLN on tumor growth and metastasis.
  • Elucidate the involvement of the RhoA/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of TCGA and GEO datasets for molecular alterations.
  • Assessment of ANLN expression in clinical thyroid cancer samples.
  • In vitro functional assays (proliferation, migration, invasion) and in vivo xenograft models.
  • Mechanistic studies including protein interaction and signaling pathway analysis.

Main Results:

  • ANLN is upregulated in thyroid cancers, with higher expression linked to worse survival.
  • ANLN promotes ATC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion.
  • ANLN directly interacts with RhoA, activating the RhoA/PI3K/AKT pathway, driving tumor growth.
  • Inhibition of AKT or RhoA suppressed ANLN-driven tumorigenic effects.

Conclusions:

  • Anillin (ANLN) is a key driver of ATC progression.
  • ANLN activates the RhoA/PI3K/AKT pathway, promoting tumor growth and metastasis.
  • ANLN represents a potential therapeutic target for anaplastic thyroid cancer.
Keywords:
AKT pathwayAnaplastic thyroid cancerAnillinRas homolog family member A (RhoA)

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