The antiapoptotic protein BAG3 is expressed in thyroid carcinomas and modulates apoptosis mediated by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand

Abstract Context: We previously showed that BAG3 protein, a member of the BAG (Bcl-2-associated athanogene) co-chaperone family, modulates apoptosis in human leukemias. The expression of BAG3 in other tumor types has not been extensively investigated so far. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze BAG3 expression in thyroid neoplastic cells and investigate its influence in cell apoptotic response to TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL). Design, Setting, and Patients: We investigated BAG3 expression in human thyroid carcinoma cell lines, including NPA, and the effect of BAG3-specific small interfering RNA on TRAIL-induced apoptosis in NPA cells. Subsequently, we analyz…