GABA receptor expression in benign and malignant thyroid tumors

Stephen S. Roberts, Maria Cecilia Mendonça-Torres, Kirk Jensen, Gary L. Francis, Vasyl Vasko

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

Neurotransmitter systems have recently been shown to be involved in multiple malignancies including breast, colon and prostate cancers. The role of neurotransmitters and neurotrophic factors has not yet been examined in thyroid cancer. To determine the possible involvement of neurotransmitter systems in thyroid carcinogenesis we characterized the patterns of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor expression in normal thyroid and thyroid tumors. We examined the expression patterns of the GABAergic system in 70 human thyroid tumor samples (13 follicular adenomas, 14 follicular carcinomas, 43 papillary carcinomas) and adjacent normal thyroid by immunohistochemistry. GABAergic system mRNA expression in thyroid cancer cell lines derived from primary (FTC133) and metastatic tumors (FTC236 and FTC238) was examined by real time PCR. Overall, GABA receptor expression is increased in tumors compared to normal thyroid tissue. Expression of GABAA receptor β2 was detected in the vasculature of normal thyroid and thyroid tumors but not in thyroid cancer cells. GABAA α2 was detected in metastatic-derived but not in primary-tumor derived cell lines. Expression levels of GABAB R2 and GABA receptor associated protein (GABARAP) are increased in adenomas and thyroid cancer suggesting their role in early stages of thyroid tumorigenesis. This study represents the first demonstration of GABA receptor expression in human thyroid tissue and suggests that the GABAergic system is involved in thyroid carcinogenesis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)645-650
Number of pages6
JournalPathology and Oncology Research
Volume15
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Cancer
  • GABA receptors
  • Gene expression
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Thyroid

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research
  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'GABA receptor expression in benign and malignant thyroid tumors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this