Altered gene expression profiles by sodium/iodide symporter gene transfection in a human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma cell line using a radioactive complementary DNA microarray

Background The sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) is a membrane glycoprotein that mediates active I-131 uptake during the treatment of cancer of the thyroid gland and extrathyroidal tissues. NIS gene transfection, a gene-therapy modality, has been introduced in many types of cancer, such as prostate cancer and breast cancer, and has demonstrated a high potential for the treatment of non-thyroidal cancers. Aim To investigate the pattern of NIS gene expression and provide evidence of its beneficial effects in human anaplastic cancer ARO cells by using a radioactive complementary DNA (cDNA) microarray. Methods For cDNA microarray data analysis, superimposed images and clustergrams were prepared from basic radioactivity data obtained using a phosphoimager system. Gene expression profiles were constructed using the Z-transformed values of genes related to cancer biology. Results Radioactive cDNA microarray studies showed that 11 genes were upregulated (Z ratio > 1.5) and 31 genes were downregulated (Z ratio < -1.5) in response to NIS gene transfection. Of these differentially expressed genes, 33% were related to cell proliferation and apoptosis. Moreover, NIS gene transfection into an anaplastic thyroid cancer cell line affected the expression of the protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) family and Ras oncogene family, including Ras, Rac and Rab. Conclusion The identification of changes in the patterns of gene expression may provide a better understanding of the response of molecular mechanisms to NIS gene transfection. Nucl Med Commun 26:1155-1162 (c) 2005 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.