Overexpression of k alpha 1 tubulin mRNA in thyroid anaplastic carcinoma

The expression levels of k alpha1 tubulin in 84 benign and malignant thyroi d tissues were measured by means of real-time quantitative reverse transcri ption-polymerase chain reaction. An increased expression of k alpha1 tubuli n mRNA was observed in all of five anaplastic carcinomas and some of the pa pillary carcinomas. Expression levels of k alpha1 tubulin relative to thyro globulin mRNA were slightly increased in papillary carcinomas and greatly i ncreased in anaplastic carcinomas. Chemotherapeutic agents which are target ed to microtubules may be considered as an alternative choice for the treat ment of anaplastic carcinomas and some differentiated carcinomas in which i ncreased expression of k alpha1 mRNA is observed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.