What does RET gene stand for?

RET is an abbreviation for “rearranged during transfection”, as the DNA sequence of this gene was originally found to be rearranged within a 3T3 fibroblast cell line following its transfection with DNA taken from human lymphoma cells.

What is RET PTC rearrangement?

Abstract. Rearrangement of the RET gene, also known as RET/PTC rearrangement, is the most common genetic alteration identified to date in thyroid papillary carcinomas. The prevalence of RET/PTC in papillary carcinomas shows significant geographic variation and is approx 35% in North America.

What are PTC cells?

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is an epithelial malignancy showing evidence of follicular cell differentiation and a set of distinctive nuclear features. It is the most frequent thyroid neoplasm and carries the best overall prognosis.

Is PTC curable?

With rare exception, these cancers are cured by conservative surgery without additional therapy, and seldom result in recurrent disease. PTC is highly curable in 85% of cases because of its rather innocent biologic behavior. Therefore, the shift in emphasis from disease survival to recurrence is appropriate.

What are the two most common RET / PTC rearrangements?

The two most common rearrangement types are RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3, which account for the vast majority of all rearrangements found in papillary carcinomas. RET/PTC1 is formed by fusion with the H4 (D10S170) gene ( 7) and RET/PTC3 by fusion with the NCOA4 (ELE1, RFG, or ARA70) gene ( 14, 15 ).

How are RET / PTC mutations related to thyroid cancer?

RET/PTC is tumorigenic in thyroid follicular cells; it transforms thyroid cells in culture (20) and gives rise to thyroid carcinomas in transgenic mice (21–23). Transgenic animals with targeted thyroid expression of RET/PTC1 and RET/PTC3 develop thyroid tumors with microscopic features recapitulating those of human papillary carcinomas.

When do papillary carcinomas with RET / PTC rearrangements occur?

Overall, papillary carcinomas with RET/PTC rearrangements typically present at younger age and have a high rate of lymph node metastases, classic papillary histology]

How are RET / PTC and BRAF mutations related?

RET/PTC Rearrangements and BRAF Mutations in Thyroid Tumorigenesis. It is frequently associated with genetic alterations leading to activation of the MAPK signaling pathway. The two most frequently affected genes, BRAF and RET, are activated by either point mutation or as a result of chromosomal rearrangement.