{"title":"A systematic review of emerging RNA markers in thyroid fine needle aspiration cytology samples: advancements and challenges.","authors":"Gamze Sönmez, Uğur Ünlütürk","doi":"10.1007/s12020-025-04266-z","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Significant advances have been made in detecting RNA markers that may indicate malignancy in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) samples.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To review the roles of protein-coding and non-coding RNAs in differentiating between malignant and benign thyroid nodules.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases was performed. We searched up until September 2024 and complemented by manual citation search.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 28 full-text articles were reviewed, encompassing 5770 FNAC samples, which included 3489 benign lesions and 2281 malignant lesions. The studies identified 43 messenger RNAs (mRNAs), 16 microRNAs (miRNAs), and 3 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that have the potential to distinguish malignant nodules. Among the mRNAs, PAPPA, TIMP1, and HMGA2, as well as the miRNAs, miR-146b, miR-375 and miR-222, appear to be the most promising molecules for diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Numerous RNA markers have been shown to differentiate malignant from benign lesions. However, there is still a lack of patient-specific classification for thyroid cancer subtypes. Additionally, future studies should prioritize using a combination of molecular markers rather than relying on individual ones. Although current research mainly focuses on identifying cancer-specific molecules, it is important for future studies to shift towards a more patient-specific approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":49211,"journal":{"name":"Endocrine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.0000,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Endocrine","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s12020-025-04266-z","RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"ENDOCRINOLOGY & METABOLISM","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: Significant advances have been made in detecting RNA markers that may indicate malignancy in fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) samples.
Objective: To review the roles of protein-coding and non-coding RNAs in differentiating between malignant and benign thyroid nodules.
Methods: A comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases was performed. We searched up until September 2024 and complemented by manual citation search.
Results: A total of 28 full-text articles were reviewed, encompassing 5770 FNAC samples, which included 3489 benign lesions and 2281 malignant lesions. The studies identified 43 messenger RNAs (mRNAs), 16 microRNAs (miRNAs), and 3 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that have the potential to distinguish malignant nodules. Among the mRNAs, PAPPA, TIMP1, and HMGA2, as well as the miRNAs, miR-146b, miR-375 and miR-222, appear to be the most promising molecules for diagnosis.
Conclusion: Numerous RNA markers have been shown to differentiate malignant from benign lesions. However, there is still a lack of patient-specific classification for thyroid cancer subtypes. Additionally, future studies should prioritize using a combination of molecular markers rather than relying on individual ones. Although current research mainly focuses on identifying cancer-specific molecules, it is important for future studies to shift towards a more patient-specific approach.
期刊介绍:
Well-established as a major journal in today’s rapidly advancing experimental and clinical research areas, Endocrine publishes original articles devoted to basic (including molecular, cellular and physiological studies), translational and clinical research in all the different fields of endocrinology and metabolism. Articles will be accepted based on peer-reviews, priority, and editorial decision. Invited reviews, mini-reviews and viewpoints on relevant pathophysiological and clinical topics, as well as Editorials on articles appearing in the Journal, are published. Unsolicited Editorials will be evaluated by the editorial team. Outcomes of scientific meetings, as well as guidelines and position statements, may be submitted. The Journal also considers special feature articles in the field of endocrine genetics and epigenetics, as well as articles devoted to novel methods and techniques in endocrinology.
Endocrine covers controversial, clinical endocrine issues. Meta-analyses on endocrine and metabolic topics are also accepted. Descriptions of single clinical cases and/or small patients studies are not published unless of exceptional interest. However, reports of novel imaging studies and endocrine side effects in single patients may be considered. Research letters and letters to the editor related or unrelated to recently published articles can be submitted.
Endocrine covers leading topics in endocrinology such as neuroendocrinology, pituitary and hypothalamic peptides, thyroid physiological and clinical aspects, bone and mineral metabolism and osteoporosis, obesity, lipid and energy metabolism and food intake control, insulin, Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, hormones of male and female reproduction, adrenal diseases pediatric and geriatric endocrinology, endocrine hypertension and endocrine oncology.