MicroRNAs Identified as Key Players in Thyroid Cancer Metastasis

Strategic Insights -

Research from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) has shed new light on the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in thyroid cancer metastasis. According to a recent study published in the journal Discover Oncology, three specific miRNAs - miR-199a-5p, miR-199a-3p, and miR-148a-5p - have been identified as downregulated in thyroid cancer with lymph node metastasis (LNM). These miRNAs were found to modulate the expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related genes, particularly in BCPAP cells.

Key Takeaways:

  • Three miRNAs, miR-199a-5p, miR-199a-3p, and miR-148a-5p, were identified as downregulated in thyroid cancer with LNM.
  • Transfection of TPC-1 and BCPAP cells with mimetics reduced cell migration and invasion.
  • These miRNAs modulated the expression of EMT-related genes, particularly in BCPAP cells.
  • The study suggests that these miRNAs are involved in key metastatic processes, making them potential biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for thyroid tumors.
  • The researchers concluded that further in vivo validation and clinical studies are required to explore their translational applications.
  • The study found that RNA-seq datasets from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were used to identify dysregulated miRNAs in LNM from papillary and medullary thyroid carcinoma (PTC and MTC).
  • The researchers used thyroid carcinoma cell lines, TPC-1 and BCPAP, to study the effects of miRNA mimetics on cell migration and invasion.
  • The study found thatmiR-199a-3p, miR-199a-5p, and miR-148a-5p are involved in key metastatic processes, suggesting their relevance as potential biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for thyroid tumors.
  • Karina Colombera Peres and her team from the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) led the research, which was supported by the Department of Thyroid of Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism.
  • The study's lead researcher, Karina Colombera Peres, is from the Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Genetics, School of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP).
  • The research included additional authors, including Mateus Leandro Bezerra, Leonardo Augusto Marson, Monica Pezenatto Santos, Alexandre Hilario Berenguer Matos, Irena Dus-Ilnicka, Larissa Teodoro Rabi, Alfio Jose Tincani, Priscila Costa Tincani, Natassia Elena Bufalo, and Murilo Vieira.

Statistics:

  • 3 miRNAs, miR-199a-5p, miR-199a-3p, and miR-148a-5p, were identified as downregulated in thyroid cancer with LNM.
  • 2 cell lines, TPC-1 and BCPAP, were used to study the effects of miRNA mimetics on cell migration and invasion.
  • 2 datasets, Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), were used to identify dysregulated miRNAs in LNM from papillary and medullary thyroid carcinoma (PTC and MTC).
  • The study found that the miRNAs modulated the expression of EMT-related genes, particularly in BCPAP cells.
  • The researchers concluded that further in vivo validation and clinical studies are required to explore the translational applications of these miRNAs.

Sources:

  • Discover Oncology, 2025;16(1):1962.
  • NewsRx, November 4, 2025; Cancer Weekly, p 38.