Identification of RASAL1 as a major tumor suppressor gene in thyroid cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

RAS-coupled MAPK and PI3K pathways play a fundamental role in thyroid tumorigenesis, and classical genetic alterations upregulating these pathways are well characterized. We hypothesized that gene abnormality of negative modulators of these signaling pathways might be an important alternative genetic background for thyroid cancer.

Methods

By examining gene expression patterns of negative modulators of RAS signaling, we attempted to identify potential tumor suppressor genes. We then analyzed the methylation and mutation patterns of the identified gene in 101 thyroid tumors and tested its functions in vitro and in vivo to establish the tumor suppressor role in thyroid cancer.

Results

Among 13 negative modulators of the RAS pathway screened, RASAL1, encoding a

SUBMITTER: Liu D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3818169 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature