Survivin T9809C, an SNP located in 3'-UTR, displays a correlation with the risk and clinicopathological development of hepatocellular carcinoma

A comprehensive review and in silico analysis of the role of survivin (BIRC5) in hepatocellular carcinoma hallmarks: A step toward precision

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a complex malignancy driven by the dysregulation of multiple cellular pathways. Survivin, a key member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family, plays a central role in HCC tumorigenesis and progression. Despite significant research, a comprehensive understanding of the contributions of survivin to the hallmarks of cancer, its molecular network, and its potential as a therapeutic target remains incomplete. In this review, we integrated bioinformatics analysis with an extensive literature review to provide deeper insights into the role of survivin in HCC. Using bioinformatics tools such as the Human Protein Atlas, GEPIA, STRING, TIMER, and Metascape, we analyzed survivin expression and its functional associations and identified the top 20 coexpressed genes in HCC. These include TK1, SPC25, SGO2, PTTG1, PRR11, PLK1, NCAPH, KPNA2, KIF2C, KIF11, HJURP, GTSE1, FOXM1, CEP55, CENPA, CDCA3, CDC45, CCNB2, CCNB1 and CTD-2510F5.4. Our findings also revealed significant protein-protein interactions among these genes, which were enriched in pathways associated with the FOXM1 oncogenic signaling cascade, and biological processes such as cell cycle regulation, mitotic checkpoints, and diseases such as liver neoplasms. We also discussed the involvement of survivin in key oncogenic pathways, including the PI3K/AKT, WNT/β-catenin, Hippo, and JAK/STAT3 pathways, and its role in modulating cell cycle checkpoints, apoptosis, and autophagy. Furthermore, we explored its interactions with the tumor microenvironment, particularly its impact on immune modulation through myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages, and natural killer cell function in HCC. Additionally, we highlighted its involvement in alkylglycerone phosphate synthase (AGPS)-mediated lipid reprogramming and identified important gaps in the survivin network that warrant further investigation. This review also examined the role of survivin in cancer stemness, inflammation, and virally mediated hepatocarcinogenesis. We evaluated its potential as a diagnostic, prognostic, predictive, and pharmacodynamic biomarker in HCC, emphasizing its relevance in precision medicine. Finally, we summarized emerging survivin-targeted therapeutics and ongoing clinical trials, underscoring the need for novel strategies to effectively target survivin in HCC.

Overview of role of survivin in cancer: expression, regulation, functions, and its potential as a therapeutic target

Survivin holds significant importance as a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) family due to its predominant expression in tumours rather than normal terminally differentiated adult tissues. The high expression level of survivin in tumours is closely linked to chemotherapy resistance, heightened tumour recurrence, and increased tumour aggressiveness and serves as a negative prognostic factor for cancer patients. Consequently, survivin has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for cancer treatment. In this review, we delve into the various biological characteristics of survivin in cancers and its pivotal role in maintaining immune system homeostasis. Additionally, we explore different therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting survivin.

Association of Polymorphism in Survivin Gene and the Risk of Liver Cancer Resulting from Hepatitis C Virus Among Egyptian Patients

BACKGROUND

This study aims to investigate the relation between Survivin gene polymorphisms and the risk of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) resulting from hepatitis C infection among the Egyptian population.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted on 164 patients, 57 patients were diagnosed with hepatitis C, where 57 were diagnosed with HCC in addition to 50 healthy volunteers as controls. Genotyping for Survivin rs1042489 and rs8073069 single nucleotide polymorphisms was carried out by the allelic discrimination Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms genotyping technology.

RESULTS

The results of Survivin rs1042489 polymorphism revealed that the TC and CC genotypes were significantly different between hepatocellular carcinoma patients (OR=15.5, 95%CI: 3.299-72.825,P<0.001), and controls (OR=44, 95%CI: 8.025-241.254, P<0.001). Furthermore, CC genotype was significantly different between cirrhotic and hepatocellular carcinoma patients (OR=19.2, 95%CI: 3.097-119.049, P=0.002). Moreover, the TC genotype shows a significant difference between controls and cirrhotic patients (OR=5.5, 95%CI: 2.111-14.328, P<0.001). However, when comparing TT genotypes, CC+TC genotypes results showed a significant association with increasing the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (OR=4.812, 95%CI: 1.893-12.233, P=0.001), (OR=21.607, 95%CI: 4.738-98.532, P<0.01), respectively. On the other hand, there was no significant difference among all studied groups for all genotypes regarding Survivin rs8073069. Also, the CC+GC genotype showed no significant association with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (P=0.999) compared with the GG genotypes.

CONCLUSION

The study indicates that functional Survivin rs1042489 polymorphism may contribute to the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma while Survivin rs8073069 polymorphism has no significant association with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma among the studied groups.

Polymorphisms of BIRC5 Gene is Associated with Chronic HBV Infection in Iranian Population

Survivin can affect the progression of infection and is considered as a marker of various malignancies. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible association of gene polymorphisms of survivin (-1547A/G, -644C/T, -625 C/G, -241C/T, -31G/C, -141G/C) and chronic hepatitis B infection in Iranian patients. The genotypes of survivin SNPs were investigated by polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method using 100 chronic HBV infected patients (HBV), 40 spontaneously recovered HBV subjects and 100 healthy controls (C). Serum level of survivin was determined using ELISA method. The -1547G, -625C, -241T and -31C alleles were associated with increased susceptibility to chronic hepatitis B infection (P = 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.003 and P < 0.001 respectively). Chronic HBV patients with -625CC, -241TT and -31CC genotypes had higher levels of survvin. Survivin -1547A/G, -625 C/G, -241C/T and -31G/C gene polymorphisms may be associated with chronic HBV susceptibility in Iranian HBV patients.

Polymorphisms in Survivin (BIRC5 Gene) Are Associated with Age of Onset in Breast Cancer Patients

Survivin, encoded by BIRC5 gene (baculoviral IAP repeat containing 5), belongs to the family of inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). In mammalian cells it participates in the control of mitosis, apoptosis regulation, and cellular stress response. Its expression is increased in almost all types of cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of BIRC5 polymorphisms in breast cancer (BC) and to connect survivin expression with various clinicopathological characteristics of BC patients. Blood and archival tumour tissue samples were collected from 26 BC patients from Croatia. Survivin expression was determined immunohistochemically. BIRC5 promoter, coding region, and 3'UTR were genotyped. DNA from 74 healthy women was used as control. BIRC5 polymorphisms and survivin expression were tested against age of onset, histological grade, tumour type and size, lymph node status, oestrogen, progesterone, Her2, and Ki67 status. Numbers of samples with weak, moderate, and strong survivin expression were 9 (33.3%), 11 (40.7%), and 7 (25.9%), respectively. Most patients had nuclear survivin staining (92.6%). High survivin expression was significantly associated with negative oestrogen receptor status (p=0.007) and positive Ki67 expression (p=0.032). Ki67 expression was also positively correlated with histological grade (p=0.0009). Fourteen polymorphisms were found in BC samples, located mostly in promoter and 3'UTR of BIRC5. There was no significant difference in the distribution of polymorphisms between BC and control samples. Among clinicopathological characteristics of BC patients, alleles of five BIRC5 polymorphisms were associated with younger age of onset: c.-644T>C (55.8 years [y] vs. 48.1 y; p=0.006), c.-241C>T (54.2 y vs. 45.0; p=0.029), c.9809T>C (55.8 y vs. 48.1 y; p=0.006), c.-1547C>T (58.3 y vs. 50.9 y; p=0.011), and c.9386T>C (50.8 y vs. 59.5 y; p=0.004). To assess the significance of BIRC5 polymorphisms and survivin expression as predictive and prognostic biomarkers for BC further research with a larger sample size is needed.

The survivin molecule as a double-edged sword in cellular physiologic and pathologic conditions and its role as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target in cancer

Survivin is a member of the family of apoptosis inhibitory proteins with increased expression level in most cancerous tissues. Evidence shows that survivin plays regulatory roles in proliferation or survival of normal adult cells, principally vascular endothelial cells, T lymphocytes, primitive hematopoietic cells, and polymorphonuclear neutrophils. Survivin antiapoptotic role is, directly and indirectly, related to caspase proteins and shows its role in cell division through the chromosomal passenger complex. Survivin contains many genetic polymorphisms that the role of some variations has been proven in several cancers. The -31G/C polymorphism is one of the most important survivin mutations which is located in the promoter region on a CDE/CHR motif. This polymorphism can upregulate the survivin messenger RNA. In addition, its allele C can increase the risk of cancers in 1.27-fold than allele G. Considering the fundamental role of survivin in different cancers, this protein could be considered as a new therapeutic target in cancer treatment. For this purpose, various strategies have been designed including the prevention of survivin expression through inhibition of mRNA translation using antagonistic molecules, inhibition of survivin gene function through small inhibitory molecules, gene therapy, and immunotherapy. In this study, we describe the structure, played roles in physiological and pathological states and genetic polymorphisms of survivin. Finally, the role of survivin as a potential target in cancer therapy given challenges ahead has been discussed.

Survivin rs9904341 polymorphism significantly increased the risk of cancer: evidence from an updated meta-analysis of case-control studies

AIMS

Survivin, a member of inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, is involved in the regulation of cell cycle and apoptosis. Several studies inspected the association between survivin polymorphisms and the risk of various cancers, but the findings remain controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis intending to certify the association between survivin polymorphisms and cancer risk.

METHODS

All analyses were achieved using RevMan 5.3 software and STATA 14.1 software. Eligible studies were collected by comprehensive literature searching Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar databases. Pooled estimates of odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the overall impact of survivin polymorphisms on cancer risk.

RESULTS

The overall analysis indicates that survivin rs9904341 polymorphism significantly increased the risk of cancer in homozygous codominant (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.19-1.68, p = 0.0001, CC vs GG), dominant (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.07-1.40, p = 0.003, CG+CC vs GG), recessive (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.18-1.52, p < 0.0001, CC vs CG+GG), and allele (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.09-1.31, p = 0.0001, C vs G) inheritance models tested. Stratified based on ethnicity revealed that rs9904341 variant significantly increased the risk of cancer in the Asian population. The findings did not support an association between rs1042489, rs2071214, rs8073069, and rs17878467 polymorphisms and risk of cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study suggests that the survivin rs9904341 polymorphism may be associated with the risk of cancer either overall or in the Asian population. However, further larger and well-designed studies are warranted to evaluate this association in detail.

Regulation of Survivin Isoform Expression by GLI Proteins in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the most lethal female gynecological malignancy, mostly due to diagnosis in late stages when treatment options are limited. Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) signaling is a major developmental pathway involved in organogenesis and stem cell maintenance, and is activated in OC. One of its targets is survivin (BIRC5), an inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP) that plays a role in multiple processes, including proliferation and cell survival. We wanted to investigate the role of different GLI proteins in the regulation of survivin isoform expression (WT, 2α, 2B, 3B, and Δex3) in the SKOV-3 OC cell line. We demonstrated that survivin isoforms are downregulated in GLI1 and GLI2 knock-out cell lines, but not in the GLI3 knock-out. Treatment of GLI1 knock-out cells with GANT-61 shows an additional inhibitory effect on several isoforms. Additionally, we examined the expression of survivin isoforms in OC samples and the potential role of BIRC5 polymorphisms in isoform expression. Clinical samples showed the same pattern of survivin isoform expression as in the cell line, and several BIRC5 polymorphisms showed the correlation with isoform expression. Our results showed that survivin isoforms are regulated both by different GLI proteins and BIRC5 polymorphisms in OC.

Survivin: A molecular biomarker in cancer

Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein family that inhibits caspases and blocks cell death, is highly expressed in most cancers and is associated with a poor clinical outcome. Survivin has consistently been identified by molecular profiling analysis to be associated with high tumour grade cancers, different disease survival and recurrence. Polymorphisms in the survivin gene are emerging as powerful tools to study the biology of the disease and have the potential to be used in disease prognosis and diagnosis. The survivin gene polymorphisms have also been reported to influence tumour aggressiveness as well as survival of cancer patients. The differential expression of survivin in cancer cells compared to normal tissues and its role as a nodal protein in a number of cellular pathways make it a high target for different therapeutics. This review discusses the complex circuitry of survivin in human cancers and gene variants of survivin, and highlights novel therapy that targets this important protein.

Association between survivin genetic polymorphisms and epidermal growth factor receptor mutation in non-small-cell lung cancer

Survivin is an anti-apoptotic protein that is implicated in the regulation of apoptosis and cell cycle in various types of cancers. The current study explored the effect of survivin gene polymorphisms and EGFR mutations in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients. A total of 360 participants, including 291 adenocarcinoma lung cancer and 69 squamous cell carcinoma lung cancer patients, were selected for the analysis of three survivin genetic variants (survivin -31, +9194, and +9809) by using real-time PCR genotyping. The results indicated that GC+CC genotypes of survivin -31 were significant association with EGFR mutation in lung adenocarcinoma patients (adjusted odds ratio=3.498, 95% CI = 1.171-10.448; p<0.01). Moreover, The GC+CC genotypes of survivin -31 were associated with EGFR L858R mutation but not in exon 19 in-frame deletions. Furthermore, among patients in exon 19 in-frame deletions, those who have at least one polymorphic G allele of survivin -31 have an increased incidence to develop late-stage when compared with those patients homozygous for C/C (OR, 4.800; 95% CI, 1.305-17.658). In conclusion, our results showed that survivin genetic variants were related to EGFR mutation in lung adenocarcinoma patients and might contribute to pathological development to NSCLC.

Association of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 single nucleotide polymorphisms with hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility and clinicopathologic development

Intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) is a human protein encoded by the ICAM-1 gene and is typically expressed on endothelial cells and immune cells. ICAM-1 is associated with episode, growth, invasion, and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the association between ICAM-1 genetic variants and the risk of HCC is undetermined. In this study, we investigated the potential associations of ICAM-1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with susceptibility to HCC and its clinicopathological characteristics. A total of 918 participants, including 613 controls participants and 305 patients with HCC, were selected for the analysis of ICAM-1 SNPs (rs3093030, rs5491, rs281432, and rs5498) by using real-time PCR genotyping. After adjusting for covariants of age, sex, and alcohol consumption, 125 smoker patients with HCC carrying at least one G genotype (AG and GG) in rs5498 were observed to have a higher HCC risk compared with 231 smoker control participants carrying the wild-type allele AA (adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 1.713; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.091-2.690; P = 0.019). However, patients who possess at least one polymorphic allele of rs5498 are less prone to develop vascular invasive (AOR, 0.309; 95 % CI, 0.103-0.926; P = 0.036). The results suggest that the genetic polymorphism in ICAM-1 rs5498 SNPs with genotype AG and GG is associated with HCC risk among smokers. Moreover, gene and environment interactions of ICAM-1 rs5498 polymorphisms might alter susceptibility to liver cancer. Therefore, ICAM-1 rs5498 may serve as a marker to predict the vascular invasion risk in smoker patients with HCC.

Prognostic role of apoptosis-related gene functional variants in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients treated with first-line platinum-based chemotherapy

Background

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in apoptosis-related genes have been shown to play a role in the efficacy of platinum-based chemotherapy and may influence clinical outcomes. Our study aimed to evaluate the correlations of four functional single-nucleotide polymorphisms − FAS −670 A>G, FAS ligand −844 T>C, survivin −31 G>C, and survivin 9386 C>T – with drug response and clinical outcomes in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients who received platinum-based chemotherapy.

Materials and methods

Polymorphisms were evaluated using the polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment-length polymorphism technique.

Results

Patients with the CC genotype of FAS −670 A>G had worse overall survival (OS) than those with the CT or TT genotype (P=0.044), with median OS values of 20.1 months, 22.8 months, and 26.0 months, respectively. Furthermore, progression-free survival was associated with the FAS −670 A>G polymorphism (P=0.032). In addition, patients with the TC and CC genotypes of survivin 9386 C>T experienced improved survival compared with patients with the TT genotype (median OS 31.4 months and 22.8 months, respectively).

Conclusion

The functional FAS −670 A>G and survivin 9386 C>T polymorphisms are potential independent prognostic factors in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer patients treated with platinum-based chemotherapy.

A4383C and C76G SNP in Cathepsin B is respectively associated with the high risk and tumor size of hepatocarcinoma

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in some genes is a candidate for having or developing a cancer. Cathepsin B (CTSB) is considered to be the biomarker of cancers. The study aimed to evaluate the impacts of three SNPs in CTSB gene on the risk and progress of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The SNPs of CTSB C76G (rs12338), CTSB A4383C (rs13332), and CTSB A8422G (rs8898) from 135 patients with HCC and 520 control participants in Taiwan were determined by real-time PCR. Through analyzing by statistics, we found that the polymorphism of rs13332 was significantly associated to the risk of HCC cancer; a significantly high frequent tumor size development was observed in HCC patients carrying rs12338 polymorphic genotype than those carrying ancestral genotype. The SNPs of rs12338, rs13332, and rs8898 were irrelevant to the frequencies of HCC clinical status and the levels of HCC clinicopathological markers. In conclusions, CTSB A4383C SNP is observed modestly more often in patients who developed HCC than in healthy controls and might be associated with the risk of HCC. The association between CTSB C76G SNP and greater tumor size may warrant further study in regards to the biology of HCC.

Survivin gene promoter polymorphisms: Clinical significance and association with susceptibility to colon cancer

AIM: To investigate the clinical significance of survivin gene promoter polymorphisms and their association with susceptibility to colon cancer.

METHODS: The -31G/C, -241T/C, -625G/C and -644T/C single nucleotide polymorphisms in the survivin gene promoter region were genotyped in 217 colon cancer specimens and 198 normal people specimens by PCR-RFLP.

RESULTS: The frequency of the -31G/C locus containing the G allele (CG + GG) in colon cancer patients (60.8%) was significantly lower than that in the normal control group (60.8% vs 72.7%, P = 0.010, OR = 0.582, 95%CI: 0.385-0.882). The -31G/C site G variation was associated with tumor differentiation (P = 0.019), extent of tumor invasion (P = 0.008), and distant metastasis (P = 0.0008). Other three survivin polymorphisms had no significant differences between the colon cancer group and normal control group, and showed no significant correlation with tumor differentiation, tumor invasion, lymph node metastasis or tumor distant metastasis.

CONCLUSION: The -31G/C locus carrying the G allele significantly decreases susceptibility to colon cancer, and the G variant genotype is a protective factor against colon cancer.

Association between survivin -31G>C polymorphism and cancer risk: meta-analysis of 29 studies

PURPOSE

A growing body of evidence has shown the possible relevance of survivin -31G>C (rs9904341) promoter polymorphism to the genetic susceptibility of cancer. Because of the lack of available conclusive data, we performed a meta-analysis of all relevant available studies to derive a more precise estimation of the relationship.

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search of Medline electronic database was conducted to collect relevant studies until August 18, 2013. References of the retrieved articles were also screened. The extracted data were statistically analyzed, and pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the association strength using Stata version 11.2 software.

RESULTS

A total of 29 studies with 7,473 cancer cases and 9,086 controls were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, the pooled analysis revealed that suvivin -31G>C polymorphism was significantly associated with increased cancer risk under multiple genetic models (CC vs. GG: OR = 1.37, 95 % CI 1.06–1.76; CC vs. CG: OR = 1.27, 95 % CI = 1.10–1.46; CC vs. CG + GG: OR = 1.31, 95 % CI = 1.10–1.57). In subgroup analysis with different cancer types, the -31G>C polymorphism significantly increased the risk of colorectal, gastric, and urothelial cancers, while this SNP remarkably decreased the susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma. Further stratification analysis by ethnicity showed an increasing cancer risk in the Asian population (CC vs. GG: OR = 1.61, 95 % CI 1.17–2.21; CC vs. CG: OR = 1.31, 95 % CI 1.12–1.53; CC vs. CG + GG: OR = 1.43, 95 % CI 1.16–1.77) but not in Europeans.

CONCLUSIONS

The survivin -31G>C polymorphism is associated with elevated cancer risk, especially among colorectal, gastric, and urothelial cancers and Asian populations.

Role of VEGF-C gene polymorphisms in susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma and its pathological development

BACKGROUND

Vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C), an angiogenic/lymphangiogenic factor with high expression levels in tumor tissues, plays important roles in the development of several malignancies including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of this study was to examine whether VEGF-C gene polymorphisms are associated with susceptibility to HCC and its clinicopathological development.

METHODS

Genetic polymorphisms of VEGF-C of 135 patients with HCC and 520 noncancer controls were analyzed by a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

We found that a significantly (P = 0.021) higher risk for HCC was shown in individuals with the VEGF-C rs1485766 A/A genotype compared to those with wild-type homozygotes; a high frequency of an advanced stage and a low frequency of being positive for cirrhosis were respectively shown in HCC patients with the VEGF-C rs7664413 CT/TT and rs3775194 GC/CC genotypes. Moreover, we found that the GGACA, GACTG, CGATG, and GGCTG haplotypes of five VEGF-C single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) combined were also related to the risk of HCC.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the VEGF-C rs1485766 SNP and either of five haplotypes combined might contribute to a prediction of susceptibility to HCC. The genetic polymorphism of VEGF-C rs7664413 might be a predictive factor for advanced-stage HCC.

Survivin rs9904341 (G>C) polymorphism contributes to cancer risk: an updated meta-analysis of 26 studies

Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein family, encoded by BIRC5, is involved in the regulation of apoptosis and in cell cycle control. Emerging evidences indicate that polymorphism in BIRC5 promoter (rs9904341) is associated with cancer risk, but the results of individually published studies are inconclusive. Thus, an updated meta-analysis was performed. PubMed was searched for all eligible studies. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the association strength. Stratified analysis was performed by cancer type, source of control, genotyping method, and ethnicity. A number of 26 studies, including 6,041 cases and 7,567 controls were analyzed in this meta-analysis. Overall, significantly increased cancer risk was associated with survivin rs9904341 polymorphism when all studies were pooled (CC vs. GG: OR = 1.36, 95 % CI = 1.09-1.69; P heterogeneity < 0.001; CC vs GC/GG: OR = 1.32, 95 % CI = 1.11-1.57; P heterogeneity < 0.001). Stratified analysis by cancer type revealed that the survivin rs9904341 polymorphism may increase the risk of colorectal cancer, renal cell cancer, gastric cancer, and bladder cancer. Further subgroup analysis by ethnicity indicated that there was a statistically increased cancer risk in Asians but not Caucasians. In this updated meta-analysis of 26 studies, we conclude that the survivin rs9904341 polymorphism might contribute to risk of various cancers, especially in Asian populations.

Association of survivin polymorphisms with tumor susceptibility: a meta-analysis

Background

The survivin polymorphisms have been shown to confer genetic susceptibility to various tumors, but the results are inconsistent. In order to accomplish a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis was performed.

Results

For rs9904341, a significantly increased tumor risk was found in overall meta-analysis under C/C vs. G/G (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.13–1.74, p = 0.002), dominant (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.01–1.38, p = 0.039) and recessive (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.13–1.58, p = 0.001) genetic models and Asians group. In subgroup analyses of tumor types, we found a significant association between this SNP and an increased risk of gastric, colorectal, bladder and other tumors as well as a decreased risk of hepatocellular cancer. For rs17878467, a significantly decreased tumor risk was identified in overall meta-analysis for allele contrast (T vs. C: OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.51–0.92, p = 0.012), C/T vs. C/C (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.42–0.88, p = 0.009) and dominant (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.43–0.88, p = 0.007) genetic models and Asians group. For rs2071214, we found a significant association between this SNP and an increased tumor risk in overall meta-analysis under G/G vs. A/A (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.04–2.18, p = 0.029) and recessive (OR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.07–2.22, p = 0.020) genetic models and Asians group. Besides, there was a significant association of rs8073069 with an increased tumor risk under recessive genetic model (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.01–1.84, p = 0.040), while no significant association between rs1042489 and tumor risk was detected.

Conclusions

The survivin rs9904341 most likely contributed to increased susceptibility to tumor in Asians as well as to gastric, colorectal and bladder cancers. As for rs17878467, the T allele might be a protective factor for tumor, especially in Asians. Moreover, the survivin rs8073069 and rs2071214 seemed to be associated with an increased tumor risk in Asians, while there was no association between the survivin rs1042489 and tumor risk.

Survivin SNP-carcinogen interactions in oral cancer

In Taiwan, oral cancer is causally associated with environmental carcinogens. Survivin is an anti-apoptotic protein and is generally considered a marker of malignancy. The current study explored the combined effect of survivin gene polymorphisms and environmental carcinogens on the risk and clinico-pathological development of oral cancer. Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of survivin genes from 439 male patients with oral cancer and 424 male control participants (who did not have cancer) were analyzed. The survivin -31GG, +9194 GG, and +9809 TT homozygotes exhibited higher risk for oral cancer compared with the corresponding ancestral genotype, after adjustment for related confounders. The survivin -31, +9194, and +9809 SNPs combined with betel quid chewing and/or tobacco consumption could robustly elevate susceptibility to oral cancer. The distribution frequency of the -31 G: +9194 A: +9809 T haplotype was significantly higher in oral cancer patients than in control participants. These results suggest that survivin gene polymorphisms and their interactions with environmental carcinogens may increase susceptibility to oral cancer in Taiwanese men.

ABBREVIATIONS

AOR, adjusted odds ratio; CI, confidence intervals; PCR, polymerase chain-reaction; SNP, single-nucleotide polymorphisms.