Polymorphisms of the Stem Cell Marker Gene CD133 and the Risk of Lung Cancer in Chinese Population

Polygenic Risk Score and Rare Variant Burden Identified by Targeted Sequencing in a Group of Patients with Pigment Epithelial Detachment in Age-Related Macular Degeneration

A subset of ophthalmic imaging examination results from 334 patients were subjected to reanalysis to identify a specific group of patients with pigment epithelial detachment (PED) in at least one eye. Overall, we found a subgroup of 47 patients manifesting PED and studied their genotypes in comparison to those of patients with age-related macular degeneration without PED and healthy controls. We established a polygenic risk score that allowed the explanation of 16.3% of the variation within the disease. The highest predictive value was achieved for a model consisting of six non-coding variants: rs760306 (BEST1), rs148662546 (BEST1), rs11569560 (C3), rs74600252 (GUCA1B), rs2240688 (PROM1), and rs185507582 (TCF4). The risk of PED occurrence was found to be the highest in the first tercile, showing a 7.89-fold higher risk compared to the third tercile for AMD without PED (95% CI: 2.87; 21.71, p < 0.001) and a 7.22-fold higher risk compared to the healthy controls (95% CI: 2.60; 20.06, p < 0.001). In addition, we focused on rare variants in targeted genes. The rare variants' burden was compared among the groups, but no statistical significance was observed in the number of rare variants, predicted functional effects, or pathogenicity classification.

Effect of CD133 Polymorphisms on the Risk of Developing Liver Cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma Induced by Viral Hepatitis

BACKGROUND

CD133 has been postulated to identify cancer stem cells (CSCs) and to play a role in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of CD133 polymorphisms on viral hepatitis-induced liver cirrhosis, as well as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) susceptibility and prognosis.

METHODOLOGY

Cd133⁺ cells were counted and CD133 SNPs (rs3130, rs1029728, rs2240688, and rs2286455) were genotyped in HCV, HCV-liver cirrhosis, HCV-HCC, HBV, HBV-liver cirrhosis, and HBV-HCC patients and disease-free controls.

RESULTS

The percentage of CD133⁺ cells was observed to be significantly higher in HCV- and HBV-associated liver cirrhosis and HCC. Also, the CD133 rs3130 (C > T) TT, rs1029728 (A > G) GG, and rs2240688 (G > T) SNP TT genotypes were associated with a greater risk of liver cirrhosis and HCC development in viral hepatitis patients. Furthermore, in HCV-related HCC, rs3130 TT, rs1029728 GG, or rs2240688 TT genotypes were significantly associated with an increased number and size of focal lesions, but only the rs3130 TT genotype was associated with higher lesion size in HBV-associated HCC. In addition, individuals having rs3130 TT and rs1029728 GG genotypes had a significantly higher percentage of CD133⁺ cells. However, only HCV-infected individuals, carrying rs2240688 TT genotype, had an elevated level of CD133⁺ cells.

CONCLUSIONS

CD133 rs3130, rs1029728, and rs2240688 are genetic factors that can influence the susceptibility to liver cirrhosis and cancer, as well as the prognosis. As a result, CD133⁺ cells and CD133 polymorphisms might serve as potential predictors of these illnesses, laying the groundwork for the discovery of novel therapeutic targets.

SNP rs2240688 in CD133 gene on susceptibility and clinicopathological features of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

CD133 is one of the important cancer stem cells (CSCs) markers of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between CD133 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and risk factors associated with HCC susceptibility and clinicopathological features in HCC cases and healthy controls from the Guangxi region of southern China.

Methods

A case control study was conducted, including 565 HCC patients and 561 control subjects. The genotyping of rs2240688 was performed using the SNaPshot method. Unconditional logistic regression was used to correct for gender, age, and other confounding factors. Odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to analyze the relationship between allele and genotype frequency and the risk of HCC.

Results

The distribution frequencies of CD133 alleles and genotypes in the HCC case group and the control group were statistically significant (P<0.05). The CA heterozygous (P=0.003, OR =1.463, 95% CI: 1.134–1.887) and CC homozygous genotypes (P=0.036, OR =1.910, 95% CI: 1.044–3.493), as well as C carrier status (P=0.004, OR =1.465, 95% CI: 1.136–1.889) and C alleles (P=0.004, OR =1.465, 95% CI: 1.136–1.889), were associated with an increased risk of HCC. Additionally, in the subgroup analysis of CD133 rs2240688 polymorphism and clinical characteristics, the results showed that the genotype distribution of CD133 rs2240688 was significantly different in genotype distribution of metastasis and alanine aminotransferase (ALT).

Conclusions

the expression of miRNA binding site rs2240688 of tumor stem cell marker gene CD133 in HCC may be a promising marker for the prediction of HCC, but larger studies are still needed.

Gene Combination of CD44 rs187116, CD133 rs2240688, NF-κB1 rs28362491 and GSTM1 Deletion as a Potential Biomarker in Risk Prediction of Breast Cancer in Lower Northern Thailand

Background:

Biomarkers play an important role in oncology, including risk assessment, treatment prediction, and monitoring the progression of disease. In breast cancer, many genes are used as biomarkers. Since, several SNP variations of hallmark – related genes have been reported to be of value in risk prediction in various cancers and populations, some genetic polymorphism loci were combined and reported as biomarkers for use in the risk assessment of breast cancer in Thai people.

Methods:

Twelve cancer gene hallmarks (15 polymorphic loci) were selected and genotyped in 184 breast cancer patients and 176 healthy individuals in Phitsanulok, Thailand.

Results:

AA genotype of CD44 rs187116 (c.67+4883G>A), the C allele of CD133 rs2240688 (c.*667A>C), the *2 allele (4 bp deletion) of NF-κB1 rs28362491 and the homozygous null allele genotype of GSTM1 were significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (p<0.05). A combination of these 4 significant loci showed that AA-AA-*1*1-homozygous null allele genotype has the greatest correlation with increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 21.00; 95% CI: 1.77 to 248.11; p = 0.015), followed by GA-AA-*2*2- homozygous null allele genotype (p = 0.037) and GG-AC-*1*2- homozygous null allele genotype (p = 0.028).

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that the polymorphisms of CD44 rs187116 (c.67+4883G>A), CD133 rs2240688 (c.*667A>C), NF-κB1 rs28362491 and GSTM1 homozygous null allele genotype might be associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, and this gene combination could possibly be used as biomarkers for risk prediction, which would be of benefit in planning health surveillance and cancer prevention.

Silencing TRIM37 inhibits the proliferation and migration of non-small cell lung cancer cells

Tripartite motif containing 37 (TRIM37), a member of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family, has been involved in the development and progression of several tumors. However, its role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is still unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression pattern and role of TRIM37 in NSCLC. Our results showed that TRIM37 was highly expressed in human NSCLC cell lines. Knockdown of TRIM37 obviously inhibited the proliferation in vitro and xenografted tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, knockdown of TRIM37 suppressed NSCLC cell migration and invasion by inhibiting the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. Lastly, knockdown of TRIM37 greatly down-regulated the protein expression levels of β-catenin, cyclinD1 and c-myc in A549 cells. In conclusion, the present study revealed that TRIM37 plays an important role in the development and progression of NSCLC. Thus, TRIM37 may act a potential therapeutic target for treating NSCLC.

Tripartite motif containing 37 (TRIM37), a member of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family, has been involved in the development and progression of several tumors.

miR-367 stimulates Wnt cascade activation through degrading FBXW7 in NSCLC stem cells

Lung carcinoma tops the categories of cancer related motility, and has been treated as the main threat to human health. The functions and related mechanism of FBXW7 controlled lung cancer stem cells' signatures is barely unknown, and the miR-367 regulations of FBXW7 via Wnt signaling have not been explored. Cancer stem cells of either ALDH1+ or CD133+ phenotype were found to be referred to advanced stages in patients with NSCLC (non-small cell lung carcinoma). To study the roles of miR-367, we found greater miR-367 level or FBXW7 level was reserved in NSCLC than that of paired adjacent normal tissues, and their upregulations were positively correlated with Wnt signaling activation. On the contrary, increased miR-367 was correlated with Let-7 repression. MiR-367 was related to stronger sphere forming ability in stem cells of NSCLC. We then explored the functions of the endogenous miR-367 in stem-like cells isolated from NSCLC cell lines. In HEK-293 cells, we identified FBXW7 as the direct downstream gene of miR-367, which consequently released the LIN-28 dependent inhibition of suppressive Let-7. Through informatics analysis, miR-367 was predicated to function through Wnt signaling, and decreased Let-7 played the pivotal role to maintain TCF-4/Wnt pathway activity. The reintroduction of FBXW7 abolished the oncogenic stimulation of miR-367 on TCF-4 activity, with Wnt signaling factors depression. In conclusion, our findings demonstrated the oncogenic roles of miR-367 exerting on the self-renewal ability of cancer stem-like cells through degrading the suppressive FBXW7, eventually helping to maintain Wnt signaling activation through a LIN28B/Let-7 dependent manner.

Polymorphisms of the stem cell marker gene CD133 are associated the clinical outcome in a cohort of Chinese non-small cell lung cancer patients

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prognostic relevance of four functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CD133 (rs2240688A>C, rs10022537T>A, rs7686732C>G, and rs3130C>T) on overall survival (OS) of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Department of General Surgery, in a general hospital, Henan Province, China.

PARTICIPANTS

NSCLC patients aged ≥18 years, who were not receiving preoperative neoadjuvant therapies and had a blood sample available for genotyping, were eligible for inclusion. Those participants who were pregnant or breastfeeding, had a previous history of cancer, had other primary tumours, or who had had primary tumours of the skin and nasopharynx, were excluded from the study.

OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary endpoint was OS, which was calculated from the date of enrolment until the date of death or date of last follow-up.

RESULTS

There was a total of 1383 participants, with a median age of 63 years; 726 (52.5%) were male. Compared with thers2240688 AA genotype, the variant AC/CC genotypes were independently associated with OS (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.45 for AC genotype; HR 2.32, 95% CI 1.91 to 2.80 for CC genotype). Higher hazard ratios for associations between CD133 rs2240688 polymorphism and OS were observed in patients with adjuvant chemotherapy (HR 1.86, 95% CI 1.52 to 2.26) and radiotherapy for curative intent (HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.55 to 2.33).

CONCLUSIONS

The study confirmed the significant association between the SNP rs2240688 A>C of CD133 and OS of NSCLC patients. Larger population-based studies in different ethnic groups are necessary to further validate the role and mechanisms of CD133 in NSCLC.

Polymorphisms of cancer stem cell marker gene CD133 are associated with susceptibility and prognosis of gastric cancer

AIM

This study was aimed to investigate the associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms of cancer stem cell marker genes, CD44 and CD133, and susceptibility and prognosis of gastric cancer.

PATIENTS & METHODS

Five single nucleotide polymorphisms in CD44 and CD133 genes were genotyped in 898 gastric cancer cases and 992 controls.

RESULTS

The A/C or C/C genotypes of CD133 rs2240688 were associated with decreased risk of gastric cancer comparing with the A/A genotype (odds ratio: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67-0.97; p = 0.023). The T allele of CD133 rs3130 predicted a worse survival for gastric cancer patients receiving tumorectomy (hazard ratio: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.04-1.58; p = 0.020), independent from tumor node metastasis stage, vessel invasion and postoperational chemotherapy.

CONCLUSION

 CD133 polymorphisms are promising biomarkers for genetic susceptibility and prognosis prediction of gastric cancer.

CXCR4 is involved in CD133-induced EMT in non-small cell lung cancer

Metastasis is the major cause of death in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been observed to be one of the key regulators of metastasis in certain cancers as it confers an invasive phenotype. CD133 is a widely used cancer stem cell (CSC) marker, and CD133-positive cancer cells are thought to be tumor-initiating cells with CSC characteristics, while CXCR4, a stromal-derived-factor-1 specific chemokine receptor, is highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and participates in cancer progression by regulating cell anti-apoptosis. We previously demonstrated that CXCR4 promotes NSCLC chemoresistance by upregulating CYP1B1, however, the relationship of CD133, CXCR4 and EMT processes in NSCLC metastasis are unclear. In this study, we detected a CD133 and CXCR4 high expression in tissue specimens from 64 NSCLC patients by immunohistochemistry, of which CD133 and CXCR4 were found to be positively associated with metastatic NSCLC patients. CD133 was found to promote NSCLC tumorigenesis and mediated the expression of CXCR4. Furthermore, CD133/CXCR4 co-expression was found to be an independent prognostic factor as shown by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, and was observed to regulate the expression of EMT-related molecules and transcriptional factors in NSCLC. In addition, our results showed that E-cadherin and Vimentin were simultaneously downregulated and upregulated, in CD133+CXCR4+ A549 cells, respectively. While E-cadherin was upregulated and Vimentin was downregulated in metastatic NSCLC patients. Vimentin expression was also observed to have a positive correlation with CD133/CXCR4 co-expression in NSCLC patients and survival analysis results suggested that Vimentin high expression might be significantly associated with poor survival rates of the patients. Thus, these results suggest that the CD133/CXCR4/EMT axis may be a prognostic marker and may provide novel targets for combinational therapies in the treatment of NSCLC.