Long non-coding RNA ANRIL polymorphisms in papillary thyroid cancer and its severity

Associations of the Expression Levels and Risk Variants of CDKN2B-AS1 Long Noncoding RNA With the Susceptibility and Progression of Prostate Cancer

Genetic variants of deregulated long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in tumorigenesis, cancer progression and cancer recurrence. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the lncRNA cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1) have been associated with the risk and progression of various cancers; however, their role in prostate cancer (PCa) remains underexplored. In this case-control study, we investigated the associations of CDKN2B-AS1 expression levels and variants with PCa risk and progression. For this, five SNPs of CDKN2B-AS1-rs564398, rs1333048, rs1537373, rs2151280 and rs8181047-were genotyped using a TaqMan allelic discrimination assay; data were collected from 695 patients with PCa and 695 healthy controls. Our findings revealed that, under a dominant model, patients with PCa carrying at least one minor C allele of rs1333048 exhibited an increased risk of developing tumours with high Gleason grades; this risk was particularly high in patients without biochemical recurrence. Data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression database indicated upregulated CDKN2B-AS1 expression in the prostates of individuals carrying the polymorphic C allele of rs1333048. Genotype screening of rs1333048 in PCa cell lines showed that cells with at least one minor C allele had higher CDKN2B-AS1 levels than those with the AA genotype. Furthermore, data from The Cancer Genome Atlas indicated that higher CDKN2B-AS1 levels in PCa tissues were correlated with larger tumour sizes (T3 + T4), more lymph node metastasis (N1), higher Gleason scores and shorter progression-free survival. In conclusion, the polymorphic variants of CDKN2B-AS1 at rs1333048 may modulate CDKN2B-AS1 expression, thus accelerating PCa progression.

Association of ANRIL Gene Polymorphisms with Gastric Cancer Risk: A Case-Control Study

Background: Gastric cancer's (GC) cause is unknown, but its complexity indicates that, in addition to environmental factors, it may have genetic origins. Scientists are studying single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the antisense noncoding RNA in the INK4 locus (ANRIL) gene, which encodes a long noncoding RNA molecule. They found a link between the ANRIL gene product and some polymorphisms and GC, suggesting genetic changes may lead to precancerous conditions. Methods: In a case-control research that included 250 patients with GC and 210 controls who were age- and gender-matched, four SNPs within the ANRIL gene were genotyped. These SNPs were rs1333049, rs496892, rs2383207, and rs2151280. Tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-PCR was utilized to carry out the process of genotyping. Results: It was found that the chance of developing GC was connected with three SNPs rs2151280, rs1333049, and rs496892. Nevertheless, rs2383207 did not demonstrate any meaningful connection. In addition, whereas CCTC and TTCC haplotypes were shown to be less common, certain haplotypes that contained these SNPs (TTCG, TCTC, and TTTC) displayed a considerably higher prevalence in the cancer group in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: This study showed novel associations between specific ANRIL gene polymorphisms (SNPs) and the risk of GC. These findings shed light on the potential role of ANRIL SNPs in GC risk and highlight the need for additional research to clarify the underlying functional processes. Understanding these functional processes might lead to developing novel diagnostic or treatment approaches for this cancer.

The effects of ANRIL polymorphisms on colorectal cancer, tumor stage, and tumor grade among Iranian population

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a type of neoplasm, developing in the colon or rectum. The exact etiology of CRC is not well known, but the role of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors are established in its pathogenesis. Therefore, the aim of this research was to explore the effects of ANRIL polymorphisms on the CRC and its clinical findings.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The peripheral blood specimens were collected from 142 CRC patients and 225 controls referred to Milad Hospital, Tehran, Iran. PCR- RFLP method was used to analyze ANRIL rs1333040, rs10757274 rs4977574, and rs1333048 polymorphisms. The ANRIL rs1333040 polymorphism was related to a higher risk of CRC in the co-dominant, dominant, and log-additive models. ANRIL rs10757274, rs4977574, and rs1333048 polymorphisms showed no effect on CRC susceptibility. The CGAA and TGGA haplotypes of ANRIL rs1333040/ rs10757274/ rs4977574/rs1333048 polymorphisms were associated with the higher and the lower risk of CRC respectively. The rs1333040 polymorphism was associated with higher TNM stages (III and IV). The frequency of ANRIL rs10757274 polymorphism was lower in CRC patients over 50 years of age only in the dominant model. In addition, the rs10757274 was associated with well differentiation in CRC patients.

CONCLUSION

The ANRIL rs1333040 polymorphism was associated with a higher risk of CRC and higher TNM stages. ANRIL rs10757274 polymorphism was associated with the well-differentiated tumor in CRC.

Association of lncRNA ANRIL rs10757278 A>G Variant, Tumor Size, Grading, Tumor Site, and Tumor Stage in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients

Background

Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is a pressing global health challenge. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as pivotal regulators. Among these, the lncRNA ANRIL (antisense non-coding RNA in the INK4 locus) has a role in cancer progression. The aim of this study was to look into possible links between a certain genetic variant of lncRNA ANRIL, rs10757278 A/G, and OSCC risk and tumor features in the Iranian population.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study, enrolling 101 OSCC patients and 115 healthy controls. We took out the genomic DNA and used the tetra-primer ARMS-PCR (tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction) method to find the rs10757278 genotype. We evaluated the associations between genotypes and both OSCC susceptibility and various tumor characteristics.

Results

Although we did not observe significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies between cases and controls, we revealed compelling associations between genotypes and tumor characteristics. Genotypes AG and GG were linked to smaller tumor sizes, while genotypes with at least one wild-type allele (A) were linked to well differentiated OSCC. Specific genotypes exhibited significant associations with tumor sites, with the tongue demonstrating the strongest correlation.

Conclusions

The rs10757278 A/G variant did not show a direct link with OSCC risk, but its complex effect on tumor behavior suggests that it may play a bigger role in the development of OSCC. These findings open avenues for future investigations to uncover hidden genetic interactions, and potentially inform more targeted therapeutic strategies.

Interactive effects of CDKN2B-AS1 gene polymorphism and habitual risk factors on oral cancer

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignant disease associated with a high mortality rate and heterogeneous disease aetiology. Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 2B antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B-AS1), is a long noncoding RNA that has been shown to act as a scaffold, sponge, or signal hub to promote carcinogenesis. Here, we attempted to assess the effect of CDKN2B-AS1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the susceptibility to OSCC. Five CDKN2B-AS1 SNPs, including rs564398, rs1333048, rs1537373, rs2151280 and rs8181047, were analysed in 1060 OSCC cases and 1183 cancer-free controls. No significant association of these five SNPs with the risk of developing OSCC was detected between the case and control group. However, while examining the clinical characteristics, patients bearing at least one minor allele of rs1333048 (CA and CC) were more inclined to develop late-stage (stage III/IV, adjusted OR, 1.480; 95% CI, 1.129-1.940; p = 0.005) and large-size (greater than 2 cm in the greatest dimension, adjusted OR, 1.347; 95% CI, 1.028-1.765; p = 0.031) tumours, as compared with those homologous for the major allele (AA). Further stratification analyses demonstrated that this genetic correlation with the advanced stage of disease was observed only in habitual betel quid chewers (adjusted OR, 1.480; 95% CI, 1.076-2.035; p = 0.016) or cigarette smokers (adjusted OR, 1.531; 95% CI, 1.136-2.063; p = 0.005) but not in patients who were not exposed to these major habitual risks. These data reveal an interactive effect of CDKN2B-AS1 rs1333048 with habitual exposure to behavioural risks on the progression of oral cancer.

Allelic and Genotypic Analysis of LncRNA ANRIL rs4977574 A/G Mutations in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients: Insights into Tumor Characteristics and Genotypic Correlations

Aim

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNA) ANRIL and its genetic polymorphisms are shown to be associated with the risk of several cancers. However, the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of lncRNA ANRIL are not thoroughly assessed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) which is the most prevalent cancer in the head and neck area. Thus, this study aimed to assess the association of SNP of lncRNA ANRIL rs4977574 in patients with OSCC.

Methods and Materials

106 blood samples from the patients with OSCC were obtained with a gender- and age-matched control group to evaluate the SNP of rs4977574 of lncRNA ANRIL. The DNA was extracted using the salt-out technique and DNA genotyping was undertaken using specific primer pairs in the tetra-primer ARMS-PCR technique. Eventually, the frequency of wild-type (A) and the mutated allele (G), as well as the genotypes were estimated between the groups of patients with OSCC and healthy individuals.

Results

The results of our study indicated no statistically significant difference in the frequency of rs4977574 A/G of lncRNA ANRIL among the patients with OSCC and healthy individuals (p > 0.05). Likewise, no significant difference was found in the genotypes' frequencies (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the marked association of GG with smaller tumor size and the high level of differentiation of OSCC cells in the presence of AA or AG genotypes were interesting outcomes of this study (p < 0.05). Similarly, all the genotypes AA, AG, and GG were correlated with the site of the occurrence of OSCC. Furthermore, the association of the genotypes with the lymph node metastasis and the tumors stage was not found to be significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The results of our study indicate that rs4977574 A/G and its genotypes do not have any direct correlation with the presence of OSCC; however, its association with the smaller tumor size and the level of the cancer cells differentiation could imply its possible indirect role.

Maternal and placental ANRIL polymorphisms and preeclampsia susceptibility

Aim: The possible effects of maternal and placental ANRIL polymorphisms on preeclampsia were examined. Methods: The maternal blood of 315 preeclamptic and 317 control women and the placentas of 103 preeclamptic and 133 control women were enrolled in the study. ANRIL polymorphisms were genotyped using a PCR-RFLP method. Results: The maternal ANRIL rs1333048C variant showed a relationship with a lower risk of preeclampsia in codominant and dominant models. The maternal ANRIL rs4977574G variant had a relationship with a lower risk of preeclampsia in codominant and recessive models. There was an association between the placental rs1333048C variant and a lower risk of preeclampsia in codominant and dominant models. Conclusion: Maternal ANRIL rs1333048C and rs4977574G variants and placental rs1333048 variant showed a relationship with a lower risk of preeclampsia.

The Long Non-Coding RNA ANRIL in Cancers

ANRIL (Antisense Noncoding RNA in the INK4 Locus), a long non-coding RNA encoded in the human chromosome 9p21 region, is a critical factor for regulating gene expression by interacting with multiple proteins and miRNAs. It has been found to play important roles in various cellular processes, including cell cycle control and proliferation. Dysregulation of ANRIL has been associated with several diseases like cancers and cardiovascular diseases, for instance. Understanding the oncogenic role of ANRIL and its potential as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in cancer is crucial. This review provides insights into the regulatory mechanisms and oncogenic significance of the 9p21 locus and ANRIL in cancer.

The Role of Genetic Polymorphisms in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer: A 2023 Update

Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, with an increasing trend in the past decades. It has a variety of different histological subtypes, the most frequent one being differentiated thyroid cancer, which refers to papillary carcinoma, the most common histological type, followed by follicular carcinoma. Associations between genetic polymorphisms and thyroid cancer have been investigated over the years and are an intriguing topic for the scientific world. To date, the results of associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms, the most common genetic variations in the genome, with thyroid cancer have been inconsistent, but many promising results could potentially influence future research toward developing new targeted therapies and new prognostic biomarkers, thus consolidating a more personalized management for these patients. This review focuses on emphasizing the existing literature data regarding genetic polymorphisms investigated for their potential association with differentiated thyroid cancer and highlights the opportunity of using genetic variations as biomarkers of diagnosis and prognosis for thyroid cancer patients.

Associations of Reported Genetic Risk Loci with Sporadic Brain Arteriovenous Malformations: Meta-analysis

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is an abnormal nidus of blood vessels that is characterized by a direct connection between arteries and veins without intervening in the capillary network. The exact underlying cause of sporadic AVMs is unknown, but many studies have reported genetic associations between genes that contribute to angiogenesis, vasculogenesis, and inflammation. Eleven studies retrieved from Medline Complete, PubMed, and Google Scholar up to February 2022 were included. Heterogeneity was assessed using I² and Q-tests. Publication bias was also assessed for the shortlisted CDKN2B-AS1 rs1333040 (T > C), ACVRL1 rs2071219 (A > G), and rs11169953 (C > T) polymorphisms. The rs1333040 polymorphism showed a lower association with sporadic brain AVM for T versus C in an allelic model (OR = 0.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.41-0.84). In the recessive model, rs2071219 for AA + AG vs. GG was OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.43-0.9. In the recessive model, rs11169953 CC + CT vs. TT was OR = 0.56, 95% CI = 0.33-0.95. In summary, the results of this study support the association between CDKN2B-AS1 and ACVRL1 polymorphisms and sporadic brain arteriovenous malformations. This study summarized the existing information and showed the need for more replication studies on the genetic basis of sporadic AVM. In the future, more genome-wide studies should be conducted to validate and fill existing gaps in knowledge about the mechanisms of sporadic AVM development.

Genetic predisposition to papillary thyroid carcinoma is mediated by a long non-coding RNA TINCR enhancer polymorphism

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the enhancer region have been demonstrated to confer to altered enhancer activities, aberrant gene expression, and cancer susceptibility. In this study, we aimed to examine the association between an SNP, rs8101923, within terminal differentiation-induced non-coding RNA (TINCR) and the risk of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Blood samples from 559 patients with PTC and 445 healthy individuals were collected. The rs8101923 was genotyped by using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism assay. The impact of the rs8101923 on TINCR expression and enhancer activity was evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and dual-luciferase reporter assay. The binding of AP-2α to TINCR enhancer was determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation. The rs8101923 G allele was significantly associated with a higher risk of PTC (adjusted OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.15-1.64). Mechanistically, the rs8101923 was related to increased transcriptional levels and enhancer activities (P < 0.05). Transcription factor AP-2α binds to the enhancer region of TINCR containing the rs8101923 locus, and promotes cell proliferation in PTC. These findings suggest the rs8101923 as a risk factor in the pathogenesis of PTC, which provides evidence for explaining the mechanism of the rs8101923 risk allele predisposing to PTC.

Molecular Mechanisms of lncRNAs in the Dependent Regulation of Cancer and Their Potential Therapeutic Use

Deep whole genome and transcriptome sequencing have highlighted the importance of an emerging class of non-coding RNA longer than 200 nucleotides (i.e., long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs)) that are involved in multiple cellular processes such as cell differentiation, embryonic development, and tissue homeostasis. Cancer is a prime example derived from a loss of homeostasis, primarily caused by genetic alterations both in the genomic and epigenetic landscape, which results in deregulation of the gene networks. Deregulation of the expression of many lncRNAs in samples, tissues or patients has been pointed out as a molecular regulator in carcinogenesis, with them acting as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. Herein, we summarize the distinct molecular regulatory mechanisms described in literature in which lncRNAs modulate carcinogenesis, emphasizing epigenetic and genetic alterations in particular. Furthermore, we also reviewed the current strategies used to block lncRNA oncogenic functions and their usefulness as potential therapeutic targets in several carcinomas.