ATRA increases iodine uptake and inhibits the proliferation and invasiveness of human anaplastic thyroid carcinoma SW1736 cells: Involvement of β-catenin phosphorylation inhibition.

All-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) can enhance iodine uptake capability of thyroid tumors, but the mechanisms remain poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of ATRA on isotope susceptibility, proliferation and invasion of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) and potential mechanisms. SW1736 cells were treated with 1 µmol/l ATRA or 1% ethanol for 5 days. A cell line stably expressing β-catenin-shRNA was established. An iodine uptake assay was performed using