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Simulating the Dedifferentiation Process of Thyroid Cancer: Insights from Mouse Models and Ultrasound Imaging
Anqi Jin1, Shiyu Wang1, Jian Wang2
1Department of Ultrasound, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
|June 28, 2026
Summary
This study used mouse models and ultrasound to show how papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) progresses to anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). Specific gene expression in PTC may indicate a risk for dedifferentiation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Genetics
Background:
- Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) development from differentiated thyroid cancers is poorly understood.
- Animal models and advanced imaging are crucial for studying thyroid cancer dedifferentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish and validate mouse models for studying thyroid cancer progression from papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) to ATC.
- To utilize small-animal ultrasound and AI for monitoring tumor development and characteristics.
- To identify molecular markers associated with PTC dedifferentiation.
Main Methods:
- Constructed mouse models of PTC and ATC via Braf mutation and Trp53 deletion.
- Employed small-animal ultrasound for real-time monitoring.
- Utilized a 'you only look once' computer model for image analysis and lesion identification.
- Performed RNA sequencing to analyze gene expression in dedifferentiating PTCs.
Main Results:
- ATC mouse models displayed a distinct five-phase growth curve and early lung metastasis.
- The AI-powered ultrasound model achieved 0.765 accuracy in identifying and simulating tumor progression.
- Lower Thyroid Differentiation Scores in some PTCs correlated with elevated Ptprn2, Tnfsf18, and Cdkn2a gene expression.
Conclusions:
- Validated that Trp53 deletion and Braf mutation drive PTC to ATC progression.
- Identified a specific molecular profile in dedifferentiating PTCs, suggesting potential therapeutic targets.
