Expression of the Na+/I- symporter gene in human thyroid tumors: a comparison study with other thyroid-specific genes.

The expression of 4 thyroid tissue-specific genes [Na+/I- symporter (NIS), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), thyroglobulin (Tg), TSH receptor (TSH-R)] as well as of the glucose transporter type 1 (Glut1) gene was analyzed in 90 human thyroid tissues Messenger ribonucleic acids were extracted from 43 thyroid carcinomas (38 papillary and 5 follicular), 24 cold adenomas, 5 Graves' thyroid tissues, 8 toxic adenomas, and 5 hyperplastic thyroid tissues; 5 normal thyroid tissues were used as reference. A kinetic quantitative PCR method, based on the fluorescent TaqMan methodology and real-time measurement of fluorescence, was used. NIS expression was decreased in 40 of 43 thyroid carcinomas (10- to 1200-fold) and in 20 of 24 cold adenomas (2- to 700-fold); it was increased in toxic adenomas and Graves' thyroid tissues (up to 140-fold). TPO expression was decreased in thyroid carcinomas, but was normal in cold adenomas; it was increased in toxic adenomas and Graves' thyroid tissues Tg expression was decreased in thyroid carcinomas, but was normal in the other tissues. TSH-R expression was normal in most tissues studied and was decreased in only some thyroid carcinomas. In thyroid cancer tissues, a positive relationship was found between the individual levels of expression of NIS, TPO, Tg and TSH-R. No relationship was found with the age of the patient. Higher tumor stages (stages >I vs stage I) were associated with lower expression of NIS (P = 0.03) and TPO (P < 0.01). Expression of the Glut1 gene was increased in 1 of 24 adenomas and in 8 of 43 thyroid carcinomas. In 6 thyroid carcinoma patients, 131I uptake was studied in vivo; NIS expression was low in all samples; 3 patients with normal Glut-1 gene expression had 131I uptake in metastases, whereas the other 3 patients with increased Glut-1 gene expression had no detectable 131I uptake. In conclusion, this study shows 1) a reduced expression of NIS gene in most hypofunctioning benign and malignant thyroid tumors; 2) a differential regulation of the expression of thyroid-specific genes; 3) an increased expression of Glut-1 gene in some malignant tumors that may suggest a role for glucose derivative tracers to detect in vivo thyroid cancer metastases by positron emission tomography scanning.     

Localization and expression of thyroid hormone receptors normal and neoplastic human thyroid

The aim of this study was to investigate the regional expression of thyroid hormone nuclear receptor forms (TR(alpha) and TR(beta)) and isoform (TR(alpha1) and TR(beta2)) mRNAs in normal and neoplastic (benignant and malignant) human thyroid tissue. Tumor specimens from patients with thyroid carcinomas (papillary: 5 cases; follicular: 5 cases; anaplastic: 2 cases), thyroid follicular adenomas (7 cases) and tissue from normal thyroid glands (12 cases) were analyzed by in situ hybridization and semiquantitative RT-PCR for the expression of TR(alpha1) and beta, as well as for the isoform alpha2 that does not bind the hormone. In normal tissues, TR(alpha2) was expressed at lower levels compared to TR(alpha1) (alpha1/alpha2 = 4.3). In papillary and follicular carcinomas, the expression of TR(alpha1) and TR(beta) did not change as compared with normal thyroid tissue and adenomas (0.87 +/- 0.15 SD vs 0.89 +/- 0.17 densitometric units, DU, and 0.15 +/- 0.02 vs 0.14 +/- 0.03 DU, respectively). However, the expression of TR(alpha2) was significantly higher in differentiated carcinomas compared to normal thyroid tissue and adenomas (0.47 +/- 0.05 vs 0.20 +/- 0.05 DU, p < 0.05) with alpha1/alpha2 = 1.4. In anaplastic carcinoma all TRs were absent. We concluded that both normal and pathological thyroid tissues, with the exception of anaplastic carcinoma, express all TRs in thyreocites and that differentiated thyroid carcinomas are associated in enhancing the expression of TR(alpha2) mRNA.     

Expression of pendrin and the Pendred syndrome (PDS) gene in human thyroid tissues

The gene recently cloned that is responsible for the Pendred syndrome (PDS), an autosomal recessive disease characterized by goiter and congenital sensorineural deafness, is mainly expressed in the thyroid gland. Its product, designated pendrin, was shown to transport chloride and iodide. To investigate whether the PDS gene is altered during thyroid tumorigenesis, PDS gene expression and pendrin expression were studied using real-time kinetic quantitative PCR and antipeptide antibodies, respectively, in normal, benign, and malignant human thyroid tissues. The results were then compared to those observed for sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) expression. In normal tissue, pendrin is localized at the apical pole of thyrocytes, and this in contrast to the basolateral location of NIS. Immunostaining for pendrin was heterogeneous both inside and among follicles. In hyperfunctioning adenomas, the PDS messenger ribonucleic acid level was in the normal range, although immunohistochemical analysis showed strong staining in the majority of follicular cells. In hypofunctioning adenomas, mean PDS gene expression was similar to that detected in normal thyroid tissues, but pendrin immunostaining was highly variable. In thyroid carcinomas, PDS gene expression was dramatically decreased, and pendrin immunostaining was low and was positive only in rare tumor cells. This expression profile was similar to that observed for the NIS gene and its protein product. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that pendrin is located at the apical membrane of thyrocytes and that PDS gene expression is decreased in thyroid carcinomas.     

Differential expression of IgG Fc binding protein (FcgammaBP) in human normal thyroid tissue,thyroid adenomas and thyroid carcinomas

The genetic events involved in thyroid carcinogenesis are still incompletely understood. Several rearrangements and mutations of oncogenes have been implicated in the development of thyroid papillary carcinomas, follicular adenomas and carcinomas. However, none of these molecular alterations is suitable either as a general marker for the diagnosis of thyroid carcinomas or to differentiate between thyroid follicular adenomas and carcinomas. In order to identify new genes with altered expression which could serve as such markers, we analyzed RNA from thyroid tumor and normal tissue using a novel technique called restriction-mediated differential display. Several differentially expressed genes were identified, including the gene for IgG Fc binding protein (FcgammaBP). Differential expression of FcgammaBP was confirmed by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Our experiments showed that IgG Fc binding protein (FcgammaBP) is differentially expressed in normal thyroid tissue, thyroid adenomas and thyroid carcinomas. While the FcgammaBP gene is constitutively expressed in normal thyroid tissue, its expression is significantly increased in follicular thyroid adenomas and significantly decreased in papillary and follicular thyroid carcinomas. Thus, measurement of the expression levels of FcgammaBP in thyroid biopsies might help to make the otherwise difficult distinction between a thyroid follicular adenoma and a follicular carcinoma.     

A mutation and expression analysis of the oncogene BRAF in pituitary adenomas

OBJECTIVE: BRAF is an oncogene that is commonly mutated in both melanomas and papillary thyroid carcinomas, usually at position V600E that leads to constitutive activity in the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. We speculated that this same gene may be either mutated at this site, or overexpressed, in pituitary adenomas. DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS: We sequenced 37 pituitary adenomas for a mutation at the V600E position. In addition, we investigated B-Raf mRNA expression in normal pituitary (n = 5) and nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPA) (n = 6) by semiquantitative PCR, and in a further 27 pituitary adenomas of various types and 10 normal pituitaries using real-time quantitative PCR. Finally, we explored B-Raf protein expression in 10 normal pituitaries and 12 NFPAs. RESULTS: No sequence mutations for the substitution V600E were identified. B-Raf mRNA was overexpressed in pituitary adenomas compared to normal pituitary, and this was entirely due to overexpression in NFPAs. NFPAs also showed very variable expression of B-Raf protein, but those tumours showing highest levels of B-Raf mRNA expressed the most B-Raf protein. CONCLUSIONS: Mutations previously seen in the majority of melanomas and a substantial minority of papillary thyroid carcinomas are not a frequent finding in pituitary adenomas. However, overexpression of B-Raf mRNA and protein may be a feature of NFPAs, highlighting overactivity of the Ras-B-Raf-MAP kinase pathway in these tumours.     

Expression of the apical iodide transporter in human thyroid tissues: a comparison study with other iodide transporters

Iodide transport by thyrocytes involves two transporters, namely the Na(+)/I (-) symporter located at the basolateral pole and possibly pendrin in the apical membranes of the cell. Recently, we identified a human gene and its protein product, designated hAIT, as a putative new transporter involved in iodide transfer across the apical membrane of thyrocytes. In the present report, we analyzed both hAIT gene and protein expressions in a large series of benign and malignant human thyroid tissues. Using immunohistochemistry, hAIT staining was detected in normal thyroid tissue in about 10% of follicles; in positive follicles, 10-40% of thyrocytes, mostly the tall cells, were stained. In thyroid tissues obtained from patients with Graves' disease and toxic adenomas, hAIT mRNA and protein levels were similar to those found in normal tissue. In hypofunctioning adenomas, hAIT mRNA levels were slightly decreased, and apical iodide transporter (AIT) immunostaining was similar to that observed in normal thyroid tissue. AIT staining was stronger in Hürthle cell adenomas and in microfollicular adenomas. In thyroid carcinomas, the mean and median hAIT mRNA levels were significantly decreased. Expression of AIT protein was undetectable in most papillary carcinomas and was weak but detectable in most follicular carcinomas; it was negative in anaplastic carcinomas.     

Use of sodium iodide symporter expression in differentiated thyroid carcinomas

Objective We aimed to investigate the use of NIS mRNA and protein expression as a diagnostic and/or prognostic marker in patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). Design This is a case–control study. Patients We studied 397 thyroid nodules tissue samples, including 224 papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), 41 follicular carcinomas, 58 nodular goiters, 56 follicular adenomas and 18 normal tissues assembled in a tissue microarray. Measurements NIS protein was identified using a monoclonal antibody that labelled only the follicular cell basolateral membrane of all 397 tissue samples. In addition, NIS mRNA was quantified in 145 DTC patients and 85 PTC cases were screened for BRAF^V600E mutation. Results We found low NIS mRNA expression and low or negative NIS protein expression in most DTC. NIS expression was lower in DTC patients over 45 years old and in tumours larger than 2 cm. There was a tendency for lower NIS expression in advanced stages and patients presenting recurrences. All 13 DTC patients who succumbed to the disease were NIS negative at immunohistochemistry and had very low mRNA expression. NIS expression was lower in PTC presenting BRAF^V600E mutation. However, neither NIS immunohistochemical analysis nor NIS mRNA quantified expression could identify individuals with poor prognosis. Conclusions Our data suggest that NIS expression may help characterize patients’ risk and individuals with a poor response to therapy, but is not useful as a diagnostic or prognostic marker, reinforcing the current concept that an appropriate management of DTC patient is the most important and modifiable prognostic factor.     

不同碘负荷对小鼠甲状腺钠碘转运体基因表达的影响

目的 旨在探讨不同碘负荷状态下钠碘转运体(NIS)基因表达的变化及其在甲状腺自身调节中的作用.方法 取断乳1月龄的Babl/c小鼠按碘摄入量不同分为低碘绀、正常碘组、5倍碘组、10倍碘组和50倍碘组,饲养3个月、6个月后处死动物.采用实时荧光定量PCR和免疫组化检测NIS mRNA和蛋白表达水平,采用过硫酸铵消化砷-铈催化分光光度法测定甲状腺组织碘含量,采用竞争结合放射免疫分析方法检测甲状腺组织激素水平.结果 与正常碘组比较.各月龄低碘组小鼠NIS mRNA和蛋白表达显著上调,NIS主要定位于细胞膜.具有运碘功能,甲状腺摄碘功能增强,但长期严重碘缺乏最终导致甲状腺组织中碘含量和甲状腺组织激素水平明显降低;各高碘组NIS mRNA和蛋白表达有所下降,呈现随碘摄入量增加表达逐渐减低的趋势,且NIS主要分布于胞浆内,不具备跨膜转运碘的能力.甲状腺摄碘能力显著下降,甲状腺组织中碘含量虽有所升高,但小与碘摄人成平行关系.结论 不同碘负荷状态下 NIS基因表达的调控可发生在转录、翻译和翻译后水平,NIS基因表达及其活性的调节是机体适应低碘、耐受高碘的一种重要保护机制,是甲状腺自身调节的关键所在.     

Determination of galectin-3 messenger ribonucleic Acid overexpression in papillary thyroid cancer by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction

Galectin-3, a lectin-family protein that appears to be involved in malignant transformation, has been reported to be an accurate immunohistochemical marker for thyroid cancer. However, immunohistochemistry is a subjective method that can be difficult to apply to cytologic specimens. Therefore, we sought to develop an objective and quantitative assay to measure galectin-3 mRNA in thyroid tissue to enhance potential clinical use of galectin-3 in the molecular analysis of thyroid nodules. In this study, total RNA from 37 snap-frozen thyroid tissue specimens was isolated from eight papillary and nine follicular thyroid cancers, six follicular adenomas, seven adenomatoid nodules, and seven normal thyroid lobes from patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Normalized levels of galectin-3 mRNA, expressed as picograms per nanogram GAPDH mRNA, were higher in papillary carcinomas (3327 pg/ng) and follicular adenomas (1314 pg/ng) than in thyroid normal tissue (426 pg/ng; P = 0.0012 and 0.032, respectively). Galectin-3 mRNA levels were also higher in papillary cancers than in adenomatoid nodules (P = 0.0012). However, galectin-3 mRNA levels were not statistically greater in follicular carcinomas than either normal tissue or follicular adenomas (P = 0.068 and 0.12, respectively). In summary, in comparison to galectin-3 immunohistochemistry, quantitative measurement of galectin-3 mRNA appears useful in the identification of papillary thyroid cancers (PTCs) but does not appear to be useful in distinguishing follicular carcinomas from follicular adenomas.     

不同碘负荷对小鼠甲状腺钠碘转运体基因表达的影响

目的 旨在探讨不同碘负荷状态下钠碘转运体(NIS)基因表达的变化及其在甲状腺自身调节中的作用.方法 取断乳1月龄的Babl/c小鼠按碘摄入量不同分为低碘绀、正常碘组、5倍碘组、10倍碘组和50倍碘组,饲养3个月、6个月后处死动物.采用实时荧光定量PCR和免疫组化检测NIS mRNA和蛋白表达水平,采用过硫酸铵消化砷-铈催化分光光度法测定甲状腺组织碘含量,采用竞争结合放射免疫分析方法检测甲状腺组织激素水平.结果 与正常碘组比较.各月龄低碘组小鼠NIS mRNA和蛋白表达显著上调,NIS主要定位于细胞膜.具有运碘功能,甲状腺摄碘功能增强,但长期严重碘缺乏最终导致甲状腺组织中碘含量和甲状腺组织激素水平明显降低;各高碘组NIS mRNA和蛋白表达有所下降,呈现随碘摄入量增加表达逐渐减低的趋势,且NIS主要分布于胞浆内,不具备跨膜转运碘的能力.甲状腺摄碘能力显著下降,甲状腺组织中碘含量虽有所升高,但小与碘摄人成平行关系.结论 不同碘负荷状态下 NIS基因表达的调控可发生在转录、翻译和翻译后水平,NIS基因表达及其活性的调节是机体适应低碘、耐受高碘的一种重要保护机制,是甲状腺自身调节的关键所在.     

不同碘负荷对小鼠甲状腺钠碘转运体基因表达的影响

目的 旨在探讨不同碘负荷状态下钠碘转运体(NIS)基因表达的变化及其在甲状腺自身调节中的作用.方法 取断乳1月龄的Babl/c小鼠按碘摄入量不同分为低碘绀、正常碘组、5倍碘组、10倍碘组和50倍碘组,饲养3个月、6个月后处死动物.采用实时荧光定量PCR和免疫组化检测NIS mRNA和蛋白表达水平,采用过硫酸铵消化砷-铈催化分光光度法测定甲状腺组织碘含量,采用竞争结合放射免疫分析方法检测甲状腺组织激素水平.结果 与正常碘组比较.各月龄低碘组小鼠NIS mRNA和蛋白表达显著上调,NIS主要定位于细胞膜.具有运碘功能,甲状腺摄碘功能增强,但长期严重碘缺乏最终导致甲状腺组织中碘含量和甲状腺组织激素水平明显降低;各高碘组NIS mRNA和蛋白表达有所下降,呈现随碘摄入量增加表达逐渐减低的趋势,且NIS主要分布于胞浆内,不具备跨膜转运碘的能力.甲状腺摄碘能力显著下降,甲状腺组织中碘含量虽有所升高,但小与碘摄人成平行关系.结论 不同碘负荷状态下 NIS基因表达的调控可发生在转录、翻译和翻译后水平,NIS基因表达及其活性的调节是机体适应低碘、耐受高碘的一种重要保护机制,是甲状腺自身调节的关键所在.