Gain-of-function mutations in oncogenes have aided our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of thyroid carcinogenesis. Mutations or deletions cause inactivation of tumor suppressor genes in thyroid carcinomas. However, recent advances have disclosed the significance of epigenetic events in the development and progression of human tumorigenesis. Indeed, various tumor-suppressor genes and thyroid hormone–related genes are epigenetically silenced in thyroid tumors. This article reviews the evidence for epigenetic gene dysregulation in follicular cell–derived thyroid carcinomas including papillary thyroid carcinoma, follicular thyroid carcinoma, and undifferentiated thyroid carcinoma. The authors also discuss future applications of epigenetics as ancillary diagnostic tools and in the design of targeted therapies for thyroid cancer.
aDepartment of Pathology, University of Yamanashi, Japan
bOntario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, 610 University Avenue #8-327, Toronto, ON, M5P 2S3, Canada
cDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
dDepartment of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
Corresponding author. Ontario Cancer Institute, 610 University Avenue #8-327, Toronto, ON, M5P 2S3, Canada.
ABSTRACT