Question:
The RET proto-oncogene is associated with the development of:
The RET proto-oncogene is associated with the development of:
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RET drives the C-cell (calcitonin) thyroid cancer of MEN 2.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
- Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid
- Astrocytoma
- Paraganglioma
- Hurthle cell tumour of the thyroid
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The Correct Option is A
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: RET is a receptor tyrosine kinase (a growth factor receptor) that binds the glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor family and supports neural cell survival during development. It is normally expressed in the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid, the adrenal medulla and parathyroid cell precursors.
Step 2: An activating point mutation in the RET extracellular domain causes the receptor to dimerise and signal constantly without ligand. In the C cells this drives medullary thyroid carcinoma, and the same germline mutation underlies MEN 2A and MEN 2B, which also feature phaeochromocytoma and parathyroid disease. Therefore RET is most directly linked to medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.
Step 3: Why the others are wrong. Astrocytomas relate to other pathways and are not RET-driven. Paragangliomas are typically associated with SDH gene mutations, not classically RET. Hurthle cell (oncocytic follicular) tumours of the thyroid arise from follicular cells and are not a RET-associated tumour.
Step 2: An activating point mutation in the RET extracellular domain causes the receptor to dimerise and signal constantly without ligand. In the C cells this drives medullary thyroid carcinoma, and the same germline mutation underlies MEN 2A and MEN 2B, which also feature phaeochromocytoma and parathyroid disease. Therefore RET is most directly linked to medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.
Step 3: Why the others are wrong. Astrocytomas relate to other pathways and are not RET-driven. Paragangliomas are typically associated with SDH gene mutations, not classically RET. Hurthle cell (oncocytic follicular) tumours of the thyroid arise from follicular cells and are not a RET-associated tumour.
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