The objective of the study was to investigate NIS mRNA transcript levels, compare with NIS and TSH receptor proteins expression, and localize the NIS protein in thyroid nodules samples and their surrounding nonnodular tissues (controls).
A defect in the expression or structure of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) gene has been hypothesized as a possible cause of the impaired iodide trapping in nonfunctioning thyroid nodules.
The goal of the present study was to accurately identify alterations in NIS gene expression in benign and malignant thyroid nodules using an accurate real-time quantitative RT-PCR assay system.