Epigenetic modifications in poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid cancer. (5th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sasanakietkul, Thanyawat; Murtha, Timothy D.; Javid, Mahsa; Korah, Reju; Carling, Tobias
• Is Part Of: Molecular and cellular endocrinology. Volume 469(2018)
• Page Start: 23
• Page End: 37
• Publication Date: 2018-07-05
• Subjects: Epigenetics -- Poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma -- Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma -- MicroRNA -- Non-coding RNA; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Cytology -- Periodicals; Endocrinology -- Periodicals; Hormones -- Periodicals; Endocrinologie -- Périodiques; Cytology; Endocrinology; Molecular biology; Periodicals; 573.4
• DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.05.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0303-7207

Abstract

Abstract: Well-differentiated thyroid cancer accounts for the majority of endocrine malignancies and, in general, has an excellent prognosis. In contrast, the less common poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma (PDTC) and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) are two of the most aggressive human malignancies. Recently, there has been an increased focus on the epigenetic alterations underlying thyroid carcinogenesis, including those that drive PDTC and ATC. Dysregulated epigenetic candidates identified include the Aurora group, KMT2D, PTEN, RASSF1A, multiple non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), and the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex. A deeper understanding of the signaling pathways affected by epigenetic dysregulation may improve prognostic testing and support the advancement of thyroid-specific epigenetic therapies. This review outlines the current understanding of epigenetic alterations observed in PDTC and ATC and explores the potential for exploiting this understanding in developing novel therapeutic strategies. Highlights: Epigenetic alterations may play potentially decisive roles in the origin and the aggressive clinical course of PDTC and ATC. Epigenetic deregulations in PDTC and ATC include DNA methylation, histone and chromatin modification, and ncRNA aberration. Understanding the mechanism of PDTC and ATC epigenetic alterations may lead to the design of novel therapeutic strategies.