Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
09:30
Using Nanoplasmon-Enhanced Scattering and Low-Magnification Microscope Imaging to Quantify Tumor-Derived Exosomes
Published on: May 24, 2019
7.9K
Thyroid-Originating Extracellular Vesicles Harbor Thyroid-Specific Biomarkers with Potential Relevance for Thyroid
Nevena Bobar1, Ninoslav Mitić1, Maja Kosanović1
1Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy-INEP, University of Belgrade, Banatska 31b, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|May 4, 2026
Summary
Thyroid cancer diagnosis and monitoring may improve using extracellular vesicles (EVs). Thyroid-derived EVs show potential as biomarkers, with vesicular thyroglobulin (Tg) aiding recurrence detection, even with interfering antibodies.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy.
- Preoperative diagnosis of indeterminate nodules and postoperative monitoring of TC face challenges.
- Anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (Tg-Ab) can interfere with serum thyroglobulin (Tg) assays, complicating monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if thyroid-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) express thyrotropin receptor (TSHR).
- To explore the presence of thyroglobulin (Tg) within EVs as a potential surrogate for serum Tg.
- To assess the utility of TSHR for targeted EV isolation and vesicular Tg for TC recurrence detection.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of EVs from thyroid cell lines (Nthy-Ori 3-1, TPC-1, OCUT2) and patient plasma (benign, malignant, recurrent TC) using differential ultracentrifugation.
- Characterization of EVs using nanoparticle tracking analysis, Dot blot, and Western blot.
- Detection of TSHR and Tg in isolated EVs and comparison with tissue lysate.
Main Results:
- Thyroid cell line-derived EVs (Nthy-Ori 3-1, TPC-1) were positive for surface TSHR and vesicular Tg.
- Plasma-derived EVs from all patient groups were positive for TSHR and Tg.
- Vesicular Tg was detectable in recurrent TC samples, including those with Tg-Ab interference.
Conclusions:
- TSHR is a suitable target for immunoaffinity-based isolation of thyroid-derived EVs.
- Vesicular Tg in EVs shows promise as a potential biomarker for TC recurrence.
- EV-based Tg assays may overcome limitations of serum Tg testing in the presence of Tg-Ab.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Synthesis and Regulation of Thyroid Hormones
7.1K
Low blood levels of the thyroid hormones — triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) — signal the hypothalamus to release the thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH). TRH then reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH) into the bloodstream.
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The...
Upon reaching the thyroid gland, TSH stimulates the follicular cells' active uptake of iodide ions from the blood. The ions diffuse to the apical surface of the cells and are oxidized to iodine. The...
7.1K
01:28Graves' Disease I: Introduction
23
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, or overactivity of the thyroid gland. It results from autoantibodies called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSIs), which bind to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptors, leading to overstimulation of hormone production and a hypermetabolic state.EtiologyAlthough considered idiopathic, Graves’ disease has well-established contributing factors. There is a strong genetic component, with increased prevalence...
23
01:24Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
26
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI) that activate TSH receptors, leading to excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and resulting in hyperthyroidism.Among all causes of hyperthyroidism, Graves’ disease is the most common and can happen at any age, though it is more frequent in women. It produces a hypermetabolic state with features such as weight loss, tachycardia, tremor,...
26
01:36Overview of Exosomes
2.8K
Exosomes are stable, lipid bilayer-enclosed vesicles capable of crossing biological barriers. They can carry a wide range of molecules required for intercellular communication. Once exosomes are released from the cell where they originated, they enter a recipient cell through various pathways such as fusion, receptor-mediated endocytosis, macropinocytosis, and phagocytosis.
Stahl et al. discovered exosomes in 1983, but the exosomes were initially considered waste products released from the...
Stahl et al. discovered exosomes in 1983, but the exosomes were initially considered waste products released from the...
2.8K
01:27Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
28
Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH...
28
01:25Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
30
Hyperthyroidism is a type of thyrotoxicosis characterized by the thyroid gland's overproduction of the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). This hormone excess increases the basal metabolic rate and enhances sensitivity to catecholamines.DiagnosisDiagnosis is based on clinical features and biochemical testing. It typically shows suppressed thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels below 0.4 mIU/L, with elevated free T3 and/or T4. Additional tests, including thyroid...
30