Expression of FoxP3 protein plays a key role in thyroid tumors in children

Fetal Pediatr Pathol. 2014 Apr;33(2):84-91. doi: 10.3109/15513815.2013.864347. Epub 2013 Dec 13.

Abstract

The expression of FoxP3 in tumor cells might play an important role in cancer progression. We evaluated the immunoexpression of FoxP3 in thyroid tumors in children. Studies revealed high nuclear FoxP3 expression in follicular adenoma, papillary carcinoma, follicular carcinoma and low in goiter. Malignant tumors and adenomas, revealed a statistically significant higher expression of FoxP3 compared with the thyroid goiter. High FoxP3 expression in malignant lesions compared with low expression in goiter, may be indirect evidence of its role in carcinogenesis. Revealed high expression of FoxP3 in benign tumor, may suggest a strong activation of oncogenic processes in this lesion.

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma, Follicular / metabolism
  • Adenocarcinoma, Follicular / pathology
  • Adenoma / metabolism
  • Adenoma / pathology
  • Adolescent
  • Carcinogenesis
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / metabolism
  • Carcinoma, Papillary / pathology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • Goiter / metabolism
  • Goiter / pathology
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / etiology
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Thyroid Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • FOXP3 protein, human
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors