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Increased expression of CD44 variants in differentiated thyroid cancers
T Takano1, H Sumizaki, K Nakano
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, Osaka University Medical School, Yamadaoka, Suita.
Japanese Journal of Cancer Research : Gann
|December 1, 1996
Summary
CD44 variants, particularly CD44E, are more expressed in differentiated thyroid tumors like follicular carcinomas than in normal thyroid tissue. This suggests CD44E expression may link to thyroid cell proliferation.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- CD44 is a cell surface glycoprotein involved in cell adhesion and proliferation.
- Aberrant expression of CD44 variants is observed in various cancers.
- Thyroid tumors exhibit diverse molecular alterations impacting cell behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of CD44 variants in different types of thyroid tumors.
- To determine the specific CD44 variant(s) predominantly expressed in thyroid neoplasms.
- To explore the potential association between CD44 variant expression and thyroid cell proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was employed to detect CD44 variant expression.
- A fluorescent image analyzer was used for quantitative analysis of PCR products.
- Restriction enzyme analysis was performed to identify specific CD44 variants.
Main Results:
- Increased expression of CD44 variants was detected in most thyroid follicular tumors, including follicular carcinomas and some follicular adenomas.
- Poorly differentiated papillary carcinomas also showed increased CD44 variant expression.
- Anaplastic carcinoma exhibited minimal detectable levels of CD44 variants.
- Restriction enzyme analysis identified CD44E as the major variant expressed in these tumors.
Conclusions:
- The expression of CD44 variants, especially CD44E, is significantly associated with differentiated thyroid tumors.
- CD44E expression may play a role in the proliferation of differentiated thyroid cells.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise function of CD44E in thyroid tumorigenesis.