Expression of TAp73 and ΔNp73 isoform transcripts in thyroid tumours

Aim This study was aimed to determine p73 status in thyroid tumours. Methods Differential expression of the TAp73, ΔTAp73 transcripts was measured in a panel of 60 thyroid malignancies by quantitative RT-PCR. Results By comparison to normal thyroid tissue surrounding the tumours, we observed significant downregulation of TP73 transcripts in adenomas and in differentiated carcinomas. Correlations were found in normal tissue specimens between the expression of TAp73 and ΔNp73 transcripts and that of p53, p14ARF p16INK4a, but these correlations were lost in carcinomas (PTC or FTC). Conclusions We have found significant variations of TAp73, ΔNp73, p53, p14ARF p16INK4a, expressions and correlations between the expressions of those different genes in thyroid cancer.