Physiological and Pathophysiological Roles of Ion Transporter-Mediated Metabolism in the Thyroid Gland and in Thyroid Cancer

Thyroid cancer is the most common type of endocrine tumor and has shown an increasing annual incidence, especially among women. Patients with thyroid cancer have a good prognosis, with a high five-year survival rate; however, the recurrence rate and disease status of thyroid cancer remain a burden for patients, which compels us to further elucidate the pathogenesis of this disease. Recently, ion transporters have gradually become a hot topic in the field of thyroid gland biology and cancer research. Additionally, alterations in the metabolic state of tumor cells and protein molecules have gradually become the focus of scientific research. This review focuses on the progress in understanding the physiological and pathophysiological roles of ion transporter-mediated metabolism in both the thyroid gland and thyroid cancer. We also hope to shed light on new targets for the treatment and prognosis of thyroid cancer.