Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Author Spotlight: Integrating Ultrasound Imaging with Biochemical Markers for Thyroid Disease Diagnosis
05:41

Author Spotlight: Integrating Ultrasound Imaging with Biochemical Markers for Thyroid Disease Diagnosis

Published on: February 9, 2024

1.1K

Tracing the molecular route to progression in miRNA-biogenesis-defective thyroid lesions

Anne-Sophie Chong1,2, Carla Roca1,3, Paula Morales-Sánchez3

  • 1Program in Molecular Mechanisms and Experimental Therapy in Oncology (Oncobell), Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain.

JCI Insight
|February 9, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Genetic changes in DICER1 and DGCR8 microprocessors drive thyroid tumor progression. Malignant transformation involves specific genetic accumulation and miRNA downregulation, with distinct microenvironment impacts.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Germline and somatic mutations in DICER1 and DGCR8 are linked to thyroid lesions.
  • The molecular mechanisms driving malignant transformation in these tumors are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular trajectories from benign to malignant thyroid lesions with DICER1 and DGCR8 mutations.
  • To identify key molecular events and pathways involved in malignant progression.

Main Methods:

  • Multiomic profiling of over 30 DICER1/DGCR8-mutated thyroid samples.
  • Analysis of genetic alterations, miRNA expression, DNA methylation, and transcriptomics.

Main Results:

  • A progressive, linear accumulation of genetic changes distinguishes malignant from benign lesions.
  • Enhanced miRNA downregulation and altered DNA methylation patterns characterize malignant transformation.
  • DICER1 mutations activate thyroid cancer pathways, while DGCR8 alterations are associated with immune changes in the tumor microenvironment.

Conclusions:

  • Specific molecular events drive the malignant progression of miRNA-biogenesis-related thyroid tumors.
  • Findings identify potential biomarkers and mechanisms for disease etiology.
Keywords:
EndocrinologyGeneticsOncologyRNA processingThyroid diseaseTranscriptomics

More Related Videos

Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer05:39

Spontaneous Murine Model of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

Published on: February 3, 2023

2.3K
Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model04:39

Generation of a Mouse Spontaneous Autoimmune Thyroiditis Model

Published on: March 17, 2023

2.5K

Related Concept Videos

Routes of Persuasion02:20

Routes of Persuasion

Persuasion is the process of changing our attitude toward something based on some kind of communication. Much of the persuasion we experience comes from outside forces. How do people convince others to change their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors? What communications do you receive that attempt to persuade you to change your attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors?
68.7K
The Thyroid Gland01:23

The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck and covers the anterior surface of the trachea. The gland has two lateral lobes connected by a thin tissue mass called the isthmus. Internally, each lobe comprises many small spherical structures known as thyroid follicles, surrounded by a network of blood vessels.
The follicles have a central cavity lined by simple cuboidal to squamous epithelial cells called follicular cells. These cells produce the glycoprotein...
7.7K
Lumber Defects01:23

Lumber Defects

Lumber defects, which can affect both the appearance and structural integrity of wood, include a variety of growth and manufacturing flaws. Growth defects such as knots and knotholes occur where branches were once attached to the tree trunk, with knotholes forming when these knots fall out. Other natural defects include decay and insect damage, which compromise the wood's strength and durability.
Shakes are minor fractures that run along or across the wood's annual rings, while wane is...
556
Functions of Thyroid Hormones01:18

Functions of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid hormone (TH) plays a pivotal role in the intricate orchestration of physiological processes, exerting profound effects on development, metabolism, and homeostasis throughout different life stages.
TH is indispensable for the normal development and maturation of the skeletal, muscular, and nervous systems during fetal and childhood growth. It facilitates bone mineral turnover and regulates protein synthesis in developing tissues, contributing significantly to overall growth and...
5.7K
Tumor Progression02:07

Tumor Progression

Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
7.5K
Molecular Models02:00

Molecular Models

Physical models representing molecular architectures of chemical compounds play essential roles in understanding chemistry. The use of molecular models makes it easier to visualize the structures and shapes of atoms and molecules.
43.8K