Positive correlation between interleukin-1 receptor antagonist gene 86bp VNTR polymorphism and colorectal cancer susceptibility: a case-control study

Role of cGAS-STING in colorectal cancer: A new window for treatment strategies

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common and deadly form of cancer, leading to the need for new therapeutic targets and strategies for treatment. Recent studies have shown the cGAS-STING pathway to be a promising target for cancer therapy. The cGAS-STING pathway is a part of the innate immune system and serves to identify DNA damage and viral infection, promoting an immune response. Activation of this pathway leads to the production of immune mediators, such as type I interferons, that activate immune cells to attack cancer cells. Research has identified the cGAS-STING pathway as a frequently dysregulated component in CRC, promoting tumor growth and metastasis, or leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. The modulation of this pathway presents a potential therapeutic approach, either activating or inhibiting the pathway to enhance the immune response and prevent inflammation, respectively. Developing drugs that can modulate the cGAS-STING pathway offers promise for improving treatment outcomes for CRC patients. The present review explores recent research on the role of cGAS-STING in CRC and highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of targeting this pathway.

Molecular Function of cGAS-STING in SARS-CoV-2: A Novel Approach to COVID-19 Treatment

Coronavirus illness 2019 is a significant worldwide health danger that began with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus two infections. It is the largest pandemic of our lifetime to date, affecting millions of people and crippling economies globally. There is currently no viable therapy for this devastating condition. The fast spread of SARS-CoV-2 underlines the critical need for favorable treatments to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and dissemination. Regulating the upstream cytokine release might be a possible method for COVID-19 therapy. We propose that more consideration be paid to the dysregulated IFN-I release in COVID-19 and that cGAS and STING be considered therapeutic targets for avoiding cytokine storms and as critical components in host antiviral defense mechanisms.

rs401502 and rs11575934 Polymorphisms of the IL-12 Receptor Beta 1 Gene are Protective Against Colorectal Carcinogenesis

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health problem worldwide and in Tunisia. It ranks among the main cancers in terms of incidence and cancer-related cause of death. Its pathogenesis is currently considered to be multifactorial involving genetic and environmental factors. Recent studies have suggested that the gene encoding the β1 subunit of the IL-12 receptor, an important pro-inflammatory cytokine of the anti-tumor response, could be involved in the susceptibility to inherited CRC. Hence, it would be interesting to study the role of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the IL-12RB1 gene (rs401502 and rs11575934) in CRC susceptibility.

Aim: Our purpose was to assess whether genetic variants IL-12RB1 +1196G/C (rs401502) and IL-12RB1 +705A/G (rs11575934) within the IL-12RB1 gene are associated with the sporadic CRC risk.

Methods: A total of 110 Tunisian patients with sporadic CRC and 141 healthy control subjects were included in this study. Genotyping was performed by high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis. All results were confirmed by direct DNA sequencing or PCR-RFLP methods. Later, the allele frequencies and genotype distribution were established and compared between the control group and CRC patients.

Results: The obtained results showed that the two target SNPs were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) in both patients and controls. Minor allele frequencies of rs401502 SNP were 16.4% in CRC cases and 23.8% in controls. Mutant allele of rs11575934 SNP was present with 21.4% in CRC patients and 29.8% in control group. An association study showed a significant association of two target polymorphisms with CRC, according to the dominant genetic model with OR = 0.577, 95% CI = [0.343 to 0.972], p = 0.038 and OR = 0.547, 95% CI = [0.328 to 0.911], p = 0.02, respectively.

Conclusion: In this study, we found, for the first time, a potential protective effect of two SNPs in the IL-12RB1 gene, namely rs401502 and rs11575934, in sporadic colorectal cancer in Tunisians.

Role of Interleukin-1 in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer: A brief look at anakinra therapy

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is known as one of the deadliest and most common cancers globally and causes nearly one million cancer deaths yearly. Like many malignancies, the immune system and its components play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of CRC. As multifunction mediators of the immune system, cytokines are involved in several inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) belongs to a family of 11 members and is involved in inflammatory responses. Beyond its biological role as a mediator of innate immune responses, it is also seen in chronic stress and inflammation and numerous pathological states. The role of IL-1 in malignancies can also be very significant because it has recently been shown that this cytokine can also be secreted from tumor cells and induce the recruitment of myeloid-derived immunosuppressive cells. As a result, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is affected and, despite being inflammatory, causes the onset and progression of tumor cells. Since surgery and chemotherapy are the first choices to treat patients with cancer, especially CRC, it is usually not well-prognosed, particularly in patients with metastatic lesions CRC. Therefore, targeted therapy may prolong the overall survival of CRC patients. Furthermore, evidence shows that anakinra has had satisfactory results in treating CRC. Therefore, this review summarized the role of IL-1 in the pathogenesis of CRC as well as immunotherapy based on inhibition of this cytokine in this type of cancer.

Genome-wide characterization of human minisatellite VNTRs: population-specific alleles and gene expression differences

Variable Number Tandem Repeats (VNTRs) are tandem repeat (TR) loci that vary in copy number across a population. Using our program, VNTRseek, we analyzed human whole genome sequencing datasets from 2770 individuals in order to detect minisatellite VNTRs, i.e., those with pattern sizes ≥7 bp. We detected 35 638 VNTR loci and classified 5676 as commonly polymorphic (i.e. with non-reference alleles occurring in >5% of the population). Commonly polymorphic VNTR loci were found to be enriched in genomic regions with regulatory function, i.e. transcription start sites and enhancers. Investigation of the commonly polymorphic VNTRs in the context of population ancestry revealed that 1096 loci contained population-specific alleles and that those could be used to classify individuals into super-populations with near-perfect accuracy. Search for quantitative trait loci (eQTLs), among the VNTRs proximal to genes, indicated that in 187 genes expression differences correlated with VNTR genotype. We validated our predictions in several ways, including experimentally, through the identification of predicted alleles in long reads, and by comparisons showing consistency between sequencing platforms. This study is the most comprehensive analysis of minisatellite VNTRs in the human population to date.

Association between the Interleukin-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL1RN) Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTR) Polymorphism and Lymphoma

Introduction: Lymphoma is a common hematopoietic cancer. Immunosuppression is one of the main risk factors for the development of lymphoma. The interleukin (IL)-1 receptor antagonist IL1RN, which binds to the IL-1 receptor, moderates a variety of immune responses related to IL-1. We aimed to assess the impact of IL1RN variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphism on lymphoma risk in an Iranian population sample. Materials and Methods: DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of 120 subjects with non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL), 50 subjects with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL), and 186 unrelated healthy individuals. IL1RN VNTR polymorphism was detected using polymerase chain reaction. Results: Our findings revealed that the IL1RN VNTR polymorphism was associated with protection against NHL (P≤0.001, OR: 0.30, 95% CI: 0.18-0.53). The IL1RN 2 allele significantly decreased the risk of NHL (p = 0.023, OR = 0.66, 95%CI = 0.46-0.93). In addition, we found that IL1RN 1/2 was associated with a lower risk of HL (p ≤0.001, OR = 0.24, 95%CI = 0.12-0.50). Conclusion: Our results suggest that the presence of IL1RN VNTR polymorphism is associated with a decreased risk of lymphoma in an Iranian subpopulation in southeast Iran.

Possible Roles of Interleukin-4 and -13 and Their Receptors in Gastric and Colon Cancer

Interleukin (IL)-4 and -13 are structurally and functionally related cytokines sharing common receptor subunits. They regulate immune responses and, moreover, are involved in the pathogenesis of a variety of human neoplasms. Three different receptors have been described for IL-4, but only IL-4 receptor type II (IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1) is expressed in solid tumors. While IL-13 can also bind to three different receptors, IL-13 receptor type I (IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1/IL-13Rα2) and type II (IL-4Rα/IL-13Rα1) are expressed in solid tumors. After receptor binding, IL-4 and IL-13 can mediate tumor cell proliferation, survival, and metastasis in gastric or colon cancer. This review summarizes the results about the role of IL-4/IL-13 and their receptors in gastric and colon cancer.

The association between IL-1 family gene polymorphisms and colorectal cancer: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health problem given its high incidence and mortality. This study focuses on examining the associations between IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-1RN polymorphisms and colorectal cancer susceptibility.

METHODS

A systematic literature search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) and Wan Fang databases was conducted to identify relevant studies. Relevant data were extracted from the original included studies. The correlation was demonstrated based on the odds ratio (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Publication bias was investigated by Egger's line regression test and Begg's funnel plot.

RESULTS

Eighteen independent studies involving 6218 cases and 10160 controls were eligible for this pooled analysis. Overall, the result revealed that the IL-1α rs3783553 polymorphism was significantly associated with an increased risk of CRC (G vs. C, OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 0.90-1.15, I² = 51%, P = 0.78; GG vs. CC, OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.04-3.74, I² = 70%, P = 0.04; GC vs. CC, OR = 1.75, 95% CI = 1.12-2.75, I² = 42%, P = 0.01; GG + GC vs. CC, OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.08-3.18, I² = 63%, P = 0.03; and GG vs. GC + CC, OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.04-1.58, I² = 39%, P = 0.02), and significance was also noted for IL-1RN VNTR under the dominant model (22 + 2L vs. LL, OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.01-2.19, I² = 77%, P = 0.045) and allelic contrast model (2 vs. L, OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.00-1.64, I² = 58.6%, P = 0.047). For IL-1β + 31C/T, significance was observed in the dominant model (CC + CT vs. TT, OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.69-0.99, I² = 52%, P = 0.034) and the heterozygous model (CT vs. TT, OR = 0.80, 95% CI = 0.65-0.98, I² = 60%, P = 0.04). For IL-1β + 511 C/T, a significant association was noted in four gene models (CT vs. TT, OR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.63-0.83, I² = 0%, P < 0.001; CC + CT vs. TT, OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.65-0.84, I² = 0%, P < 0.001; CC vs. TT, OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.65-0.91, I² = 30.9%, P = 0.003; C vs. T, OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.80-0.95, I² = 38%, P = 0.001), but a significant relationship was not found in the recessive model (CC vs. CT + TT, OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.86-1.38, I² = 57.1%, P = 0.25). In addition, borderline statistical significance was noted between IL-1β + 3954 Ins/Del and CRC in the homozygous model, but no significance was identified for IL-1β + 3737 G/A, Il-1β + 1464 G/C, and IL-1RN + 2018 T/C under all five genetic models. In the subgroup analysis of ethnic groups, significant associations with CRC were found for IL-1β + 31 (CC vs. TT: OR = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.67-0.99, I² = 20.2%, P = 0.04; CT vs. TT: OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.47-0.82, I² = 0%, P < 0.001; CC + CT vs. TT: OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.55-0.87, I² = 29.7%, P = 0.001), IL-1β + 511 (CT vs. TT, OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.55-0.77, I² = 0%, P < 0.001; CC + CT vs. TT, OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.58-0.78, I² = 0%, P < 0.001; C vs. T, OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.75-0.92, I² = 49.6%, P < 0.001) and IL-1RN + 2018 T/C in the allelic contrast model (T vs. C, OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.44-0.98, I² = 0%, P = 0.04) among Asians but not in Caucasians. A significant association between IL-1β + 1464 G/C polymorphisms in Caucasians was observed under the recessive model (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.77-0.98, I² = 45%, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

The current meta-analysis demonstrated that IL-1α rs3783553, IL-1β + 31C/T, IL-1β + 511C/T, and IL-1RN VNTR are critical genes for CRC susceptibility.

Positive Correlation Between Somatic Mutations in RAS Gene and Colorectal Cancer in Telangana Population: Hospital-Based Study in a Cosmopolitan City

Colorectal cancer (CRC) ranks among the most prevalent cancer types in both men and women. Screening of RAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS), neuro-blastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS), and v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF)) somatic mutations is necessary prior to considering anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) therapies in CRC patients. Next-generation sequencing studies have confirmed that RAS gene panels could be used while developing treatment strategies for patients with CRC. The present study explored genetic mutations in KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF in CRC patients in the Telangana state of India. Patients with confirmed CRC (n = 100) who visited the Apollo hospitals were evaluated. Genomic DNA was extracted from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues, and pyrosequencing analysis was performed. Patient DNA samples were screened for 54 different KRAS, NRAS, and BRAF mutations, which revealed 34 somatic mutations. Exon 11 of BRAF possessed 4 mutations with highest individuals documented with G469A mutation. Pyrosequencing, a reliable method for analyzing somatic mutations present in RAS, could aid in taking treatment decisions for patients with CRC.