Upregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in the tumorigenesis of canine thyroid carcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Information on the genetic events leading to thyroid cancer in dogs is lacking.

Hypothesis/objectives

Upregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway has an important role in the tumorigenesis of thyroid carcinoma in dogs.

Animals

Fifty-nine dogs with thyroid carcinoma and 10 healthy controls.

Methods

Quantitative RT-PCR was performed for VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, EGFR, PIK3CA, PIK3CB, PDPK1, PTEN, AKT1, AKT2, COX-2, and CALCA. Mutation analysis was performed for known hotspots of RAS (N, K, H), PIK3CA, BRAF, RET, and for the entire coding region of PTEN.

Results

Forty-three dogs (73%) had follicular cell thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and 16 dogs (27%) had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). The relative mRNA expressions of VEGFR-1 (P < .001), VEGFR-2 (P = .002), PDPK1

SUBMITTER: Campos M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4895609 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov-Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature