Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most frequent type of cancers originating from the endocrine system. Early diagnosis leads to good clinical outcome in differentiated types of thyroid cancer. Yet, there are few treatment options for patients with medullary or anaplastic thyroid cancer. Thus, identification of molecular markers that explain the pathologic process during evolution of this cancer has practical significance. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to influence the activity of thyroid cancer-related signaling pathways such as MAPK pathway and RET gene. These small transcripts not only can differentiate malignant tissues from non-malignant tissues, but also have differential expression in different stages of thyroid cancer. Assessment of serum levels of miRNAs is a practical noninvasive method for follow-up of patients after thyroidectomy. Moreover, the therapeutic effects of a number of miRNAs have been verified in xenograft models of thyroid cancer. In the current review, we summarize the data regarding the role of miRNAs in thyroid cancer.
Highlights
Thyroid cancer comprises the majority of tumors that originate from the endocrine system [1]
Based on the histological characteristics, thyroid cancers can be classified to differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) originating from epithelial cells of the thyroid follicles, medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC)
Several studies have evaluated expression profiles of these ~20 nucleotide transcripts in thyroid cancer cell lines and clinical specimens. Based on their expression pattern in these tissues compared with non-malignant tissues and their effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis, miRNAs have been classified to oncogenic and tumor suppressor miRNAs
Summary
Thyroid cancer comprises the majority of tumors that originate from the endocrine system [1]. Based on the histological characteristics, thyroid cancers can be classified to differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) originating from epithelial cells of the thyroid follicles, medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) and anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). Several studies have evaluated expression profiles of these ~20 nucleotide transcripts in thyroid cancer cell lines and clinical specimens. Based on their expression pattern in these tissues compared with non-malignant tissues and their effects on cell proliferation and apoptosis, miRNAs have been classified to oncogenic (oncomiRs) and tumor suppressor miRNAs. In the current review, we summarize the role of these transcripts in the pathogenesis of thyroid cancer and their possible application as biomarkers for thyroid malignancy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
