VEGFA and NFE2L2 Gene Expression and Regulation by MicroRNAs in Thyroid Papillary Cancer and Colloid Goiter

Abstract

Deregulation of VEGFA (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A) and NFE2L2 (Nuclear Factor (Erythroid-derived 2)-Like 2), involved in angiogenesis and oxidative stress, can lead to thyroid cancer progression. MiR-17-5p and miR-612 are possible regulators of these genes and may promote thyroid disorders. In order to evaluate the involvement of VEGFA, NFE2L2, hsa-miR-17-5p, and hsa-miR-612 in thyroid pathology, we examined tissue samples from colloid goiter, papillary thyroid cancer (PTC), and a normal thyroid. We found higher levels of VEGFA and NFE2L2 transcripts and the VEGFA protein in goiter and PTC samples than in normal tissue. In the goiter, miR-612 and miR-17-5p levels were lower than those in PTC. Tumors, despite showing lower VEGFA mRNA expression, presented higher VEGFA protein levels compared to goiter tissue. In addition, NRF2 (Nuclear Related Transcription Factor 2) protein levels in tumors were higher than those in goiter and normal tissues. Inhibition of miR-17-5p resulted in reduced NFE2L2 expression. Overall, both transcript and protein levels of NFE2L2 and VEGFA were elevated in PTC and colloid goiter. Hsa-miR-612 showed differential expression in PTC and colloid goiter, while hsa-miR-17-5p showed differential expression only in colloid goiter, suggesting that hsa-miR-17-5p may be a positive regulator of NFE2L2 expression in PTC.