CASP7 variants modify susceptibility to cervical cancer in Chinese women

Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Confirms Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas in Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia as a Distinct Oral Cancer Subtype: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Oral cancers in patients with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL-OSCC) exhibit different clinical and prognostic outcomes from those seen in conventional oral squamous cell carcinomas (cOSSCs). The aim of the present study is to compare the genome-wide DNA methylation signatures in fresh frozen tissues between oral squamous cell carcinomas in patients with PVL and cOSCC using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip.

METHODS

This case-control study was carried out at the Stomatology and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of the General University Hospital of Valencia. For the epigenomic study, unsupervised exploratory bioinformatic analyses were performed using principal component and heatmap analysis. Supervised differential methylation analyses were conducted using a rank-based regression model and a penalized logistic regression model to identify potential prognostic biomarkers.

RESULTS

The unsupervised analyses of the global methylation profiles did not allow us to differentiate between the distinct oral cancer groups. However, the two supervised analyses confirmed the existence of two oral carcinoma phenotypes. We identified 21 differentially methylated CpGs corresponding to 14 genes. Among them, three CpGs had not been previously assigned to any known gene, and the remaining were associated with genes unrelated to oral cancer. The AGL, WRB, and ARL15 genes were identified as potential prognostic biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes the significant role of epigenetic dysregulation in OSCC, particularly in cases preceded by PVL. We have provided data on differential methylation genes that could be involved in the molecular carcinogenesis of PVL-OSCC.

Novel molecular hepatocellular carcinoma subtypes and RiskScore utilizing apoptosis-related genes

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of global cancer-related deaths. Despite immunotherapy offering hope for patients with HCC, only some respond to it. However, it remains unclear how to pre-screen eligible patients. Our study aimed to address this issue. In this study, we identified 13 prognostic genes through univariate Cox regression analysis of 87 apoptosis-related genes. Subsequently, these 13 genes were analyzed using ConsensusClusterPlus, and patients were categorized into three molecular types: C1, C2, and C3. A prognostic model and RiskScore were constructed using Lasso regression analysis of 132 significant genes identified between C1 and C3. We utilized quantitative polymerase chain reaction to confirm the model's transcript level in Huh7 and THLE2 cell lines. Both molecular subtypes and RiskScores effectively predicted patients benefiting from immunotherapy. Cox regression analysis revealed RiskScore as the most significant prognosis factor, suggesting its clinical application potential and providing a foundation for future experimental research.

LINC00238 inhibits hepatic carcinoma progression by activating TMEM106C‑mediated apoptosis pathway

The present study aimed to explore the regulatory mechanism of long intergenic non-protein coding (LINC)00238 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). LINC00238 expression in HCC tissues and cell lines was measured using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. LncTar was used to predict the binding sites between LINC00238 and transmembrane protein 106C (TMEM106C). Survival analysis of LINC00238, TMEM106C and activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) in patients with HCC was performed based on TCGA data. The proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of HCC cells were measured by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium assay, flow cytometer, wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. LINC00238 promoted apoptosis and inhibited proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells. LINC00238 was downregulated in HCC. TMEM106C was a target of LINC00238 and TMEM106C expression was negatively regulated by LINC00238. TMEM106C suppressed the apoptosis pathway and decreased the expression of caspase-7, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 2, programmed cell death 4 and ATF3. Notably, ATF3 was the upstream promoter of LINC00238 and positively regulated LINC00238 expression. In conclusion, LINC00238 inhibited HCC progression by inhibiting TMEM106 expression and activating the TMEM106C-mediated apoptosis pathway.

The Relevance of SNPs at 3'UTR Region of CASP7 and miR-371b-5p Associated Diseases: A Computational Analysis

The process of genetically programmed cell death, or apoptosis, plays a crucialrolein cellular homeostasis and gene expression. Disruption of apoptosis may lead to aberrant immune responses, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) present in various microRNA (miRNA) genes and targets being an alteration of miRNA activity resulting in human diseases. Evidence reported that SNPs increase/decrease the effectiveness of the interaction between miRNAs and their target genes associated with diseases. The primary purpose of this study is not only to identify miRSNPs on the CASP7 gene (caspase-7) and SNPs in miRNA genes targeting 3'UTR but also to evaluate the effect of thesegene variations in apoptosis and their associated diseases. We detected 120 miRNAs binding sites and 27 different SNPs in binding sites of miRNA in 3'UTR of the CASP7 gene by ten different online softwares. Interestingly, miR-371b-5p's binding site on CASP7 has an SNP (rs576198588, G/T) on CASP7 3'UTR, and its genomic sequence has an SNP (rs751339395, G/T) at the same nucleotide with rs576198588. Similarly, two other SNPs (rs774879764, C/G rs750389063, C/T) were identified at the first position binding site of miR-371b-5p. Here, miRSNP (rs576198588) at CASP7 3'UTR and SNP (rs751339395) at miR-371b-5p genomic sequence cross-matches at the same site of binding region. Besides, miR-371b-5p targets many apoptosis-related genes (HIP1, TRIAP1, GSKIP, NIN, DAP, CAAP1, XIAP, TMBIM1, TMBIM4, TNFRSF10A, RAD21, AKT1, BAG1, BAG4) even though it had no apoptosis correlated interaction demonstrated formerly. It assures that CASP7 could have a significant consequence on apoptosis through different pathways. Henceforth, this study was representing and signifying an influential connotation among miR-371b-5p and apoptosis via computational exploration and recommended to have better insight.

SAHA and EGCG Promote Apoptosis in Triple-negative Breast Cancer Cells, Possibly Through the Modulation of cIAP2

BACKGROUND/AIM

Inhibition of apoptosis is one of the hallmarks of cancer, and anti-apoptotic genes are often targets of genetic and epigenetic alterations. Cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 2 (cIAP2) has a role in degrading caspases by linking them to ubiquitin molecules, and is upregulated in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Previous studies have demonstrated that cIAP2 may play a role in the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, was administered to triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells alone or in combination with epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) inhibitor isolated from green tea.

RESULTS

The compounds were able to decrease the expression of cIAP2 while increasing the expression of pro-apoptotic caspase 7. There were also changes in histone modifications, suggesting a role of epigenetic mechanisms in these changes in expression of cIAP2. These changes resulted in an increase in apoptosis. SAHA and EGCG were also capable of limiting TNBC cell migration across a fibronectin (FN) matrix.

CONCLUSION

SAHA and EGCG reduce the metastatic potential of TNBC by inducing the apoptotic pathway.

XPG gene rs751402 C>T polymorphism and cancer risk: Evidence from 22 publications

The Xeroderma pigmentosum group G (XPG) gene promotes recognition and excision of damaged DNA during the DNA repair process. We conducted a comprehensive search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Chinese Biomedical databases for publications evaluating the association XPG gene rs751402 C>T polymorphism and overall cancer risk. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were adopted to assess the strength of the association. A total of 22 publications encompassing 10538 cases and 10511 control subjects were included in the final meta-analysis. We found the polymorphism to be associated with increased cancer risk (TT vs. CC: OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.01-1.38, P = 0.040; CT vs. CC: OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.01-1.24, P = 0.040; and CT/TT vs. CC: OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.002-1.26, P = 0.045). Stratification by cancer type indicated that this polymorphism may increase the risk of gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma, which was further confirmed by a false-positive report probability analysis. Genotype-based mRNA expression provides further evidence that this polymorphism is associated with altered XPG mRNA expression. This meta-analysis suggests XPG gene rs751402 C>T polymorphism correlates with overall cancer risk, especially for gastric cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Association of Casp3 microRNA Target Site (1049216) SNP With the Risk and Progress of Cervical Squamous Cell Carcinoma

OBJECTIVE

In the present study, we investigated the relationship between the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of caspase-3 rs1049216 (C > T), a miRNA target site, and the risk and progression of cervical cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism, we evaluated the genotype and distribution of caspase-3 rs1049216 in 515 patients with cervical squamous cell cancer and 415 controls. In additional experiments, we transfected luciferase reporter plasmids carrying T or C allele and/or miRNA mimics into the human cervical cell lines (HeLa and C-33A) to analyze its roles in the regulation of caspase-3 expression. By immunohistochemistry, the protein level of caspase-3 expression was examined in tumor tissues from 515 patients with cervical squamous cell cancer.

RESULTS

We found that the TT genotype of caspase-3 rs1049216 conferred a significantly decreased risk of cervical cancer (adjusted odds ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.154-0.581) and may be associated with the progression of this cancer. Although the expression of caspase-3 in the TT genotype was higher than that in CC/CT genotype in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and tumor tissues. Additional luciferase analysis showed that the rs1049216 variant T allele was associated with significantly higher luciferase activity, compared with the C allele in the transfected cells, and when cotransfected with miRNAs, miRNA-181a could downregulate the luciferase activity in the cells that transfected the construct containing C allele, compared with T allele, which had not happened in the presence of other miRNAs selected.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that through upregulating the expression of caspase-3, the TT genotype of caspase-3 rs1049216 can be associated with not only the risk of cervical cancer but also the progression of this cancer.

MDM4 rs4245739 A > C polymorphism correlates with reduced overall cancer risk in a meta-analysis of 69477 subjects

Mouse double minute 4 (MDM4) is a p53-interacting oncoprotein that plays an important role in the p53 tumor suppressor pathway. The common rs4245739 A > C polymorphism creates a miR-191 binding site in the MDM4 gene transcript. Numerous studies have investigated the association between this MDM4 polymorphism and cancer risk, but have failed to reach a definitive conclusion. To address this issue, we conducted a meta-analysis by selecting eligible studies from MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Chinese Biomedical databases. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the strength of the associations. We also performed genotype-based mRNA expression analysis using data from 270 individuals retrieved from public datasets. A total of 15 studies with 19796 cases and 49681 controls were included in the final meta-analysis. The pooled results revealed that the MDM4 rs4245739C allele is associated with a decreased cancer risk in the heterozygous (AC vs. AA: OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.73-0.93), dominant (AC/CC vs. AA: OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.72-0.93), and allele contrast models (C vs. A: OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.76-0.94). The association was more prominent in Asians and population-based studies. We also found that the rs4245739C allele was associated with decreased MDM4 mRNA expression, especially for Caucasians. Thus the MDM4 rs4245739 A > C polymorphism appears to be associated with decreased cancer risk. These findings would be strengthened by new studies with larger sample sizes and encompassing additional ethnicities.

Association of potentially functional variants in the XPG gene with neuroblastoma risk in a Chinese population

XPG gene plays a critical role in the nucleotide excision repair pathway. However, the association between XPG gene polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk has not been investigated. In this study with 256 neuroblastoma cases and 531 cancer-free controls, we investigated the effects of five potentially functional polymorphisms (rs2094258 C>T, rs751402 C>T, rs2296147 T>C, rs1047768 T>C and rs873601G>A) on neuroblastoma risk. We calculated odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) to evaluate the association between the five selected polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk. False-positive report probability (FPRP) was utilized to determine whether significant findings were noteworthy or because of a chance. We also performed genotype-phenotype association analysis to explore the biological plausibility of our findings. We found that the rs2094258 T allele was significantly associated with decreased neuroblastoma risk (CT versus CC: adjusted OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.47-0.90, P = 0.010; and CT/TT versus CC: adjusted OR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.53-0.97, P = 0.030) after adjusting for age and gender. The association was more prominent for subjects with retroperitoneal tumour or early-stage tumour. We also found that carriers of the 2-3 risk genotypes had a significantly increased neuroblastoma risk when compared to carriers of the 0-1 risk genotypes. The association with risk genotypes was more predominant in older children, females and subjects with retroperitoneal tumour or early stage. Our results were further supported by FPRP analysis and genotype-phenotype association analysis. In conclusion, our study verified that the XPG gene rs2094258 C>T polymorphism may contribute to neuroblastoma susceptibility. Our findings require further validation by studies with larger sample size and concerning different ethnicities.

Genetic variant of PRKAA1 and gastric cancer risk in an eastern Chinese population

Published data on the association between PRKAA1 rs13361707 T > C polymorphism and gastric cancer (GCa) susceptibility were inconclusive. To derive a more precise estimation of the association, we conducted a large-scale GCa study of 1,124 cases and 1,194 controls to confirm this association in an eastern Chinese population. Our results showed that the C allele of PRKAA1 rs13361707 increased the GC risk in the study population [CT vs. TT, odds ratio (OR) = 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.40-2.12; CC vs. TT, OR = 2.15, 95%CI = 1.70-2.71; CT/CC vs. TT, OR = 1.86, 95%CI = 1.53-2.26; CC vs.TT/CT, OR = 1.49, 95%CI = 1.24-1.79]. In addition, the association of C allele with an increased GCa risk was still significant in subgroups, when stratified by age, sex, tumor site, drinking and smoking status. Moreover, the findings in the present study were validated by our further meta-analysis. In summary, these results indicated that the C allele of PRKAA1 rs13361707 was a low-penetrate risk factor for GCa.

Relationship between hWAPL polymorphisms and cervical cancer susceptibility

PURPOSE

To analyze the correlation of the polymorphisms of human wing-apart like (hWAPL) gene (rs7083506 and rs11202058) with the susceptibility to cervical cancer. Besides, the relationship of haplotypes between the polymorphisms with cervical cancer susceptibility was analyzed.

METHODS

Taqman probe genotyping method was adopted to detect the genotype distribution of hWAPL rs7083506 and rs11202058 polymorphisms in 117 cervical cancer patients and 128 healthy controls. Linkage disequilibrium and haplotypes were analyzed by Haploview software. χ(2) test was utilized to analyze the differences of genotype, allele and haplotype frequencies between the case and control groups.

RESULTS

Correlation analysis of hWAPL rs7083506 and rs11202058 polymorphisms with cervical cancer susceptibility was based on the five genetic models. TT genotype of rs7083506 increased the susceptibility of cervical cancer in TT vs. CC model and TT vs. CT+TT model (OR=2.249, 95% CI=1.018-4.970; OR=2.287, 95% CI=1.069-4.896). For rs11202058, the A allele increased the cervical cancer susceptibility (A vs. G, OR=1.502, 95% CI=1.005-2.245). No significant correlation was observed between rs11202058 genotypes and cervical cancer susceptibility. We performed the haplotype analysis between the two polymorphisms, and found that T-A haplotype significantly correlated with cervical cancer, the susceptibility of cervical cancer increased to 1.78 times.

CONCLUSIONS

Rs7083506 and rs11202058 polymorphisms of hWAPL and their haplotype T-A were associated with cervical cancer.

Association between interluekin-17 gene polymorphisms and the risk of cervical cancer in a Chinese population

We conducted a study to analyze the association of three common SNPs of IL-17A rs2275913 and rs3748067 and IL-17F rs763780 gene polymorphisms with the risk of cervical cancer in a Chinese population. Our study included 352 cervical cancer patients and 352 controls between January 2013 and December 2014. Genotyping of IL-17A rs2275913 and rs3748067 and IL-17F rs763780 genes was performed by multiplex PCR assays using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). By χ(2) test, there was significantly difference in the genotype distribution of IL-17A rs2275913 between cervical cancer patients and control subjects (χ(2)=11.45, P=0.003). By conditional logistic regression analysis, we found that individuals with the GA and AA genotypes were associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer when compared with the GG genotype in codominant model, and the adjusted Ors (95% CI) were 1.57 (1.13-2.18) and 2.01 (1.15-3.49), respectively. In dominant model, we found that the GA+AA genotype of rs2275913 was correlated with a moderate increased risk of cervical cancer compared with the GG genotype (OR=1.64, 95% CI=1.20-2.24). We only found significant interaction between rs2275913 polymorphism and HPV-16 or 18 infection in the risk of cervical cancer (P for interaction <0.05). In conclusion, our study suggests that IL-17A rs2275913 polymorphism may affect the development of cervical cancer in codominant and dominant models, and this gene polymorphism has interaction with HPV-16 or 18 infection.