Nuclear Oncogenes in Thyroid Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): F.S. Wyllie, N.R. Lemoine, E.D. Williams, D. Wynford-Thomas
Primary Institution: University of Wales College of Medicine
Hypothesis
Structural alterations of the nuclear oncogene family may play a role in the multi-stage development of tumorigenesis in human thyroid follicular cells.
Conclusion
The study concludes that there is no evidence that primary abnormalities of nuclear oncogenes play a role in thyroid follicular cell tumorigenesis.
Supporting Evidence
- Normal thyroid expresses high levels of fos and c-myc.
- c-myc expression was increased in all tumors, but no increase was seen in other nuclear oncogenes.
- fos expression was reduced in follicular carcinoma, correlating with differentiation.
Takeaway
The study looked at genes that might cause thyroid cancer and found that changes in these genes are likely a result of the cancer, not a cause.
Methodology
The study involved analyzing RNA and DNA from various thyroid tumors using techniques like slot blot and Southern blot analysis.
Limitations
The study does not rule out the possibility of structural changes outside the regions probed or small deletions/point mutations.
Participant Demographics
The study analyzed 15 adenomas, 17 differentiated carcinomas, and 4 anaplastic carcinomas.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website