lnc-MPEG1-1 promotes papillary thyroid carcinoma progression through association with BRAF mutations.

INTRODUCTION

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common endocrine malignancy, with rising incidence in recent years. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in various cancers, including PTC. This study aims to identify novel lncRNA biomarkers involved in thyroid cancer progression and their potential role in carcinogenic pathways.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

Using whole transcriptome sequencing, lnc-MPEG1-1 was identified as a potential target. Expression levels of lnc-MPEG1-1 were analyzed in 43 PTC tissue samples and data from the Cancer Genome Atlas Thyroid Cancer (TCGA-THCA) cohort. Correlations between lnc-MPEG1-1 expression and clinical-pathological features were assessed. Functional assays, including cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, were conducted in vitro to investigate the biological role of lnc-MPEG1-1. Additionally, correlation analyses were performed to explore the relationship between lnc-MPEG1-1 expression and the B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine kinase V600E (BRAFV600E) mutation, a common genetic alteration in PTC.

RESULTS

lnc-MPEG1-1 was significantly upregulated in PTC tissues, with higher expression in BRAF-mutated samples. Knockdown of lnc-MPEG1-1 in PTC cell lines significantly reduced cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, indicating its role in promoting tumor aggressiveness. Correlation analyses revealed a strong association between lnc-MPEG1-1 expression and BRAF mutation-related genes. Pathway analysis suggested that lnc-MPEG1-1 is involved in oncogenic processes such as cell growth, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cell cycle regulation.

CONCLUSION

lnc-MPEG1-1 is a novel lncRNA linked to BRAF mutations, promoting PTC progression. It holds potential as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target, particularly in BRAF-mutant PTC cases.