NIS modulation by PI3K, Akt and mTORC1 inhibition

Decreased NaC/IK symporter (NIS) expression or function in thyroid cancers reduces the effectiveness of radioiodine (131I) in diagnosis and treatment. Liu and colleagues investigated the effect of inhibiting for PI3K, Akt, and mTORC1 on NIS modulation in thyroid cancer cells, finding PI3K inhibition by LY294002 increased NIS-mediated radioiodide uptake via NIS upregulation. They also observed that while Akt inhibition did not increase NIS protein levels, a marked increase in radioiodine uptake occurred via a decreased iodide efflux rate, increased iodide transport rate and increased NIS iodide affinity. These observations have the potential to improve the efficacy of radioiodine therapy for patients with thyroid cancer. Liu et al. (2012) Endocrine-Related Cancer 19 291–304.

Read the full article at DOI:10.1530/ERC-11-0288