Functional genetic variant in the Kozak sequence of WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene is associated with oral cancer risk

In vitro data suggest a role for PMS2 Kozak sequence mutations in Lynch syndrome risk

Lynch syndrome (LS) is the most common hereditary cancer syndrome. Heterozygous loss-of-function variants in PMS2 are linked to LS. While these variants are not directly cancer causing, reduced PMS2 function results in the accumulation of somatic variants and increased cancer risk over time due to DNA mismatch repair dysfunction. It is reasonable that other types of genetic variation that impact the expression of PMS2 may also contribute to cancer risk. The Kozak sequence is a highly conserved translation initiation motif among higher eukaryotes and is defined as the nine base pairs upstream of the translation start codon through the first four bases of the translated sequence (5'-[GTT]GCATCCATGG-3'; human PMS2: NM_000535.7). While Kozak sequence variants in PMS2 have been reported in ClinVar in patients with suspected hereditary cancer, all variants upstream of the translation start site are currently classified as variants of undetermined significance (VUSs). We hypothesized that variants significantly disrupting the Kozak sequence of PMS2 would decrease PMS2 protein expression, contributing to increased cancer risk over time. Using a dual-luciferase reporter plasmid and site-directed mutagenesis, we generated the wild-type human PMS2 and the ClinVar VUSs within the PMS2 Kozak sequence. Besides the c.1A>C variant, which is already known to be pathogenic, we implicate six additional variants as American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG)/Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) pathogenic supporting (PP) variants and classify ten as benign supporting (BP). In summary, we present a method developed for the classification of human PMS2 Kozak sequence variants that can contribute to the re-classification of VUSs identified in patients.

A non-coding variant in the Kozak sequence of RARS2 strongly decreases protein levels and causes pontocerebellar hypoplasia

Bi-allelic variants in the mitochondrial arginyl-transfer RNA synthetase (RARS2) gene have been involved in early-onset encephalopathies classified as pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) type 6 and in epileptic encephalopathy. A variant (NM_020320.3:c.-2A > G) in the promoter and 5'UTR of the RARS2 gene has been previously identified in a family with PCH. Only a mild impact of this variant on the mRNA level has been detected. As RARS2 is non-dosage-sensitive, this observation is not conclusive in regard of the pathogenicity of the variant.We report and describe here a new patient with the same variant in the RARS2 gene, at the homozygous state. This patient presents with a clinical phenotype consistent with PCH6 although in the absence of lactic acidosis. In agreement with the previous study, we measured RARS2 mRNA levels in patient's fibroblasts and detected a partially preserved gene expression compared to control. Importantly, this variant is located in the Kozak sequence that controls translation initiation. Therefore, we investigated the impact on protein translation using a bioinformatic approach and western blotting. We show here that this variant, additionally to its effect on the transcription, also disrupts the consensus Kozak sequence, and has a major impact on RARS2 protein translation. Through the identification of this additional case and the characterization of the molecular consequences, we clarified the involvement of this Kozak variant in PCH and on protein synthesis. This work also points to the current limitation in the pathogenicity prediction of variants located in the translation initiation region.

WWOX Polymorphisms as Predictors of the Biochemical Recurrence of Localized Prostate Cancer after Radical Prostatectomy

The downregulation of WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX), a tumor suppressor gene, is associated with the tumorigenesis and poor prognosis of various cancers. In this study, we investigated the associations between the polymorphisms of WWOX, clinicopathologic features of prostate cancer (PCa), and risk of postoperative biochemical recurrence (BCR). We evaluated the effects of five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of WWOX on the clinicopathologic features of 578 patients with PCa. The risk of postoperative BCR was 2.053-fold higher in patients carrying at least one "A" allele in WWOX rs12918952 than in those with homozygous G/G. Furthermore, patients with at least one polymorphic "T" allele in WWOX rs11545028 had an elevated (1.504-fold) risk of PCa with seminal vesicle invasion. In patients with postoperative BCR, the risks of an advanced Gleason grade and clinical metastasis were 3.317- and 5.259-fold higher in patients carrying at least one "G" allele in WWOX rs3764340 than in other patients. Our findings indicate the WWOX SNPs are significantly associated with highly aggressive pathologic features of PCa and an elevated risk of post-RP biochemical recurrence.

Direct epitranscriptomic regulation of mammalian translation initiation through N4-acetylcytidine

mRNA function is influenced by modifications that modulate canonical nucleobase behavior. We show that a single modification mediates distinct impacts on mRNA translation in a position-dependent manner. Although cytidine acetylation (ac4C) within protein-coding sequences stimulates translation, ac4C within 5' UTRs impacts protein synthesis at the level of initiation. 5' UTR acetylation promotes initiation at upstream sequences, competitively inhibiting annotated start codons. Acetylation further directly impedes initiation at optimal AUG contexts: ac4C within AUG-flanking Kozak sequences reduced initiation in base-resolved transcriptome-wide HeLa results and in vitro utilizing substrates with site-specific ac4C incorporation. Cryo-EM of mammalian 80S initiation complexes revealed that ac4C in the -1 position adjacent to an AUG start codon disrupts an interaction between C and hypermodified t6A at nucleotide 37 of the initiator tRNA. These findings demonstrate the impact of RNA modifications on nucleobase function at a molecular level and introduce mRNA acetylation as a factor regulating translation in a location-specific manner.

Effect of WW Domain-Containing Oxidoreductase Gene Polymorphism on Clinicopathological Characteristics of Patients with EGFR Mutant Lung Adenocarcinoma in Taiwan

Lung adenocarcinoma is the most common histological type of non-small cell lung cancer, which accounts for the majority of lung cancers. Previous studies have showed that dysregulation of WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) participates in the generation of several cancer types, including lung cancer. However, whether these WWOX polymorphisms are related to the clinical risk of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung adenocarcinoma is worthy of investigation. The present study examined the relationship between the WWOX single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs11545028, rs12918952, rs3764340, rs73569323, and rs383362) and the clinicopathological factors in lung adenocarcinoma patients with or without EGFR mutations. We found that there was no significant difference in the genotype distribution of WWOX polymorphism between EGFR wild-type and EGFR mutant in patients with lung adenocarcinoma. Our results demonstrated that the presence of at least one G genotype (CG and GG) allele on WWOX rs3764340 was associated with a significantly higher risk of nearby lymph node involvement in those patients harboring EGFR mutations (odds ratio (OR) = 3.881, p = 0.010) compared with the CC genotype. Furthermore, in the subgroup of lung adenocarcinoma patients with the EGFR-L858R mutation, both WWOX rs3764340 C/G (OR = 5.209, p = 0.023) and rs73569323 C/T polymorphisms (OR = 3.886, p = 0.039) exhibited significant associations with the size of primary tumors and the invasion of adjacent tissues. In conclusion, these data indicate that WWOX SNPs may help predict tumor growth and invasion in patients with EGFR mutant lung adenocarcinoma, especially those with the EGFR-L858R mutant in Taiwan.

Role and Therapeutic Potential of Melatonin in the Central Nervous System and Cancers

Melatonin (MLT) is a powerful chronobiotic hormone that controls a multitude of circadian rhythms at several levels and, in recent times, has garnered considerable attention both from academia and industry. In several studies, MLT has been discussed as a potent neuroprotectant, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative agent with no serious undesired side effects. These characteristics raise hopes that it could be used in humans for central nervous system (CNS)-related disorders. MLT is mainly secreted in the mammalian pineal gland during the dark phase, and it is associated with circadian rhythms. However, the production of MLT is not only restricted to the pineal gland; it also occurs in the retina, Harderian glands, gut, ovary, testes, bone marrow, and lens. Although most studies are limited to investigating the role of MLT in the CNS and related disorders, we explored a considerable amount of the existing literature. The objectives of this comprehensive review were to evaluate the impact of MLT on the CNS from the published literature, specifically to address the biological functions and potential mechanism of action of MLT in the CNS. We document the effectiveness of MLT in various animal models of brain injury and its curative effects in humans. Furthermore, this review discusses the synthesis, biology, function, and role of MLT in brain damage, and as a neuroprotective, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer agent through a collection of experimental evidence. Finally, it focuses on the effect of MLT on several neurological diseases, particularly CNS-related injuries.

Investigation of metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 genetic variants in the development and clinicopathologcial characteristics of uterine cervical cancer in Taiwanese women

The objectives of this study were to define the associations among single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of metastasis-associated in colon cancer-1 (MACC1) gene, development and clinicopathological characteristics of uterine cervical cancer, and patient survival in Taiwan. Genotypic frequencies of 5 MACC1 SNPs rs975263, rs3095007, rs4721888, rs3735615 and rs1990172 were identified for 132 patients with invasive cancer, 99 with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and 338 normal controls using real-time polymerase chain reaction. It revealed that there were no associations of these MACC1 SNPs with cervical carcinogenesis. In the meantime, cervical cancer patients with genotype GG in MACC1 SNP rs975263 tended to display more risk to have vaginal invasion than those with AA/AG (p=0.042, OR: 8.70, 95% CI: 0.81-433.22). In multivariate analysis, positive pelvic lymph node metastasis could significantly predict worse 5 years survival rate (p=0.001; HR=9.98, 95% CI=2.64-37.77) for cervical cancer patients. In conclusion, pelvic lymph node status rather than MACC1 SNPs was the only independent parameter that could significantly predict 5 years survival rate in Taiwanese women with cervical cancer.

Functional genetic variant of WW domain containing oxidoreductase gene associated with urothelial cell carcinoma clinicopathologic characteristics and long-term survival

OBJECTIVES

In Taiwan, urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) is a common malignancy of urinary tract that is associated with genetic and environmental carcinogens. WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene that associated with several cancers development and progression. The study aimed to explore the impact of WWOX gene polymorphisms on the clinicopathological status and prognosis of patients with UCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 1,293 participants, including 431 patients with UCC and 862 healthy controls, were recruited for this study. Five polymorphisms of the WWOX gene were examined by a real-time PCR assay.

RESULTS

We found that individuals carrying TT polymorphism at rs11545028 and at least 1 G allele at rs3764340 associated with more susceptible to UCC. At least 1 A allele at rs12918952 associated with more advance disease and high grade tumor. Patients with T allele at rs11545028 associated with worse relapse free survival in all patients and worse disease specific survival (DSS) in male. Patients with A allele at rs12918952 associated with worse DSS in all patients and worse relapse free survival, DSS and overall survival in male.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first reported correlation between WWOX polymorphisms and UCC risk and clinicopathologic feature. Genetic variants of WWOX contribute to the pathologic staging, grading, and prognosis. The findings regarding these biomarkers provided a potential prediction of UCC progression.

Detection of functional polymorphisms in the hsp70 gene and association with cold stress response in Inner-Mongolia Sanhe cattle

The genetic mechanisms underlying the cattle resilience to severe cold temperatures are still unknown. In this study, we observed that four blood biochemical parameters were significantly altered, i.e., blood adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), and potassium (K+) after expose to - 32 °C for 3 h. This was observed using 105 healthy Sanhe heifers with similar weight (398.17 ± 34.06 kg) and age (19.30 ± 4.91 months). A total of 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in 5'-flanking region of the hsp70 gene in Sanhe cattle, while only 10 SNPs were segregating when comparing genetic variations between Sanhe cattle and 285 Chinese Holstein samples. Statistically significant associations between the genomic markers SNP-42-, SNP-105+, SNP-181+, and SNP-205+ with blood T3 and between SNP-105+ and blood T4 were observed by applying the general linear model procedure and Bonferroni t test. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the T alleles of SNP-42- and SNP-205+ in the GC box and Kozak sequence of the hsp70 gene, respectively, significantly decreased the green fluorescent proteins activity in vitro GFP reporter assays. These findings suggest that these two SNPs are causative polymorphisms involved in the regulation of hsp70 promoter activity and might contribute to the observed association between the hsp70 gene and T3 and T4 levels in Sanhe cattle. Thus, hsp70 gene is a promising candidate gene to be validated in independent cattle populations and functional studies related to cold stress resilience in cattle.

Association between WWOX and the risk of malignant tumor, especially among Asians: evidence from a meta-analysis

Purpose

Many studies have been carried out to examine whether there are associations between WWOX polymorphisms (rs3764340 C>G, rs12918952 G>A, and rs383362 G>T) and malignant tumor risk, but the results from these studies remained inconsistent and even controversial. In the present study, we performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the relationships comprehensively.

Methods

Published reports were searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. Eight eligible case–control studies were included in the final analysis. In the analysis, pooled odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% CIs were calculated in five genetic models to assess the genetic risk. Egger’s regression and Begg’s funnel plots test were conducted to appraise the publication bias.

Results

We found that rs12918952 G>A and rs383362 G>T polymorphisms were not associated with the susceptibility of malignant tumor. However, a significant correlation was found between WWOX rs3764340 C>G and malignant tumor risk in three genetic models (CG vs CC: OR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.12–1.53, P=0.031; GG/CG vs CC: OR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.11–1.54, P=0.014; G vs C: OR=1.28, 95% CI: 1.09–1.50, P=0.009). Furthermore, when stratified by source of control, the results were significant especially in population-based control for rs3764340.

Conclusion

In general, our results first indicated that the rs3764340 C>G polymorphism in WWOX gene can increase the susceptibility of tumor, while the others cannot. However, large, well-designed epidemiological studies are required to verify our findings.

A functional variant at the miRNA binding site in HMGB1 gene is associated with risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy that has been causally associated with both hereditary and acquired factors. The high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) gene plays an important role as a DNA chaperone to help maintain nuclear homeostasis. Altered expression of HMGB1 has been implicated in a wide range of pathological processes, including inflammation and cancer. The present study explores the impact of HMGB1 gene polymorphisms, combined with environmental risks regarding susceptibility to oral tumorigenesis. Four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the HMGB1 gene, rs1412125, rs2249825, rs1045411, and rs1360485, were evaluated in 1,200 normal controls and 772 patients with OSCC. We found an association between the wild-type allele of rs1045411 and genotypes CT and CT/TT (AOR=0.754, 95% CI=0.582-0.978 and AOR=0.778, 95% CI=0.609-0.995, respectively). Additionally, bioinformatics analysis was used to characterize the functional relevance of these variants for the miRNA-505-5p binding site and transcriptional regulation by the HMGB1 3’-UTR and promoter regions. Moreover, in considering behavioral exposure to environmental carcinogens, the presence of the four HMGB1 SNPs, combined with/without betel quid chewing and smoking showed, profoundly synergistic effects on the risk of OSCC. In conclusion, we present a potential clinical relevance for HMGB1 variants in OSCC, as well as associations between HMGB1 polymorphisms, haplotypes and environmental risk factors. The finding may help in development of optimal therapeutic approaches for OSCC patients.

Relationship of genetic variant distributions of WW domain-containing oxidoreductase gene with uterine cervical cancer

To our knowledge, no study investigates the association of genetic variant distributions of WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene with development of invasive cancer, clinicopathologic variables and patient survival in uterine cervical cancer for Taiwanese women. We therefore conducted this study to explore the clinical involvements of WWOX single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cervical cancer. One hundred and thirty-one patients with cervical invasive cancer and 93 patients with precancerous lesions as well as 316 control women were consecutively enrolled. The genotypic frequencies of WWOX genetic variants rs73569323, rs383362, rs11545028, rs3764340 and rs12918952 were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results revealed that only WWOX SNP rs3764340 was associated between patients with cervical invasive cancer and normal controls among 5 WWOX genetic variants. Cervical cancer patients with genotypes GA/AA in WWOX SNP rs12918952 were associated with parametrium invasion and pelvic lymph node metastasis. Univariate analysis found that WWOX SNPs rs73569323 and rs11545028 were associated with patient survival, whereas multivariate analysis revealed CT/TT in rs11545028 was the only genetic variant, which could predict better overall survival, among 5 WWOX SNPs in Taiwan. In conclusion, Taiwanese women with CG/GG in WWOX SNP rs3764340 are susceptible to cervical invasive cancer. Cervical cancer patients with GA/AA in rs12918952 tend to have more risk to develop parametrium invasion and pelvic lymph node metastasis. Among 5 WWOX SNPs, rs11545028 is the only genetic variant associated with patient survival, in which CT/TT could predict better overall survival in Taiwanese women.

WISP1 genetic variants as predictors of tumor development with urothelial cell carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC) of the urinary bladder is a major malignancy of the genitourinary tract. Etiological factors, such as the environment, ethnicity, genetics, and diet, contribute to UCC carcinogenesis. WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1), also known as CCN4, a cysteine-rich protein belonging to the Cyr61, CTGF, Nov (CCN) family of matricellular proteins, has many developmental functions and might be involved in carcinogenesis. This study investigated WISP1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms to evaluate UCC susceptibility and clinicopathological characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms of WISP1 in 369 patients with UCC and 738 controls without cancer.

RESULTS

The results showed that in 128 women with UCC who carried WISP1 rs2929973 (AG + GG) variants had a higher risk of developing an advanced muscle-invasive tumor stage (pT2-pT4, P = 0.007) and a large tumor (T1-T4, P = 0.030). Further analyses revealed that a correlation between the expressions of WISP1 and invasive tumor and large tumor size in urothelial carcinoma was observed in the TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) dataset.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that patients with UCC carrying rs2977530 genetic variants (AG + GG) have a higher risk of developing a more invasive tumor stage and a large tumor. WISP1 polymorphisms may serve as a marker or a therapeutic target in UCC.

Antimetastatic effects of Rheum palmatum L. extract on oral cancer cells

Rheum palmatum L., a traditional Chinese medication, has been used for the treatment of various disorders. However, the detailed impacts and underlying mechanisms of R. palmatum L. extracts (RLEs) on human oral cancer cell metastasis are still unclear. Here, we tested the hypothesis that an RLE has antimetastatic effects on SCC-9 and SAS human oral cancer cells. Gelatin zymography, Western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and luciferase assay were used to explore the underlying mechanisms involved in the antimetastatic effects on oral cancer cells. Our results revealed that the RLE (up to 20 μg/mL, without cytotoxicity) attenuated SCC-9 and SAS cell motility, invasiveness, and migration by reducing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 enzyme activities. Western blot analysis of the MAPK signaling pathway indicated that the RLE significantly decreased phosphorylated ERK1/2 levels but not p38 and JNK levels. In conclusion, RLEs exhibit antimetastatic activity against oral cancer cells through the transcriptional repression of MMP-2 via the Erk1/2 signaling pathways. Thus, RLEs may be potentially useful as antimetastatic agents for oral cancer chemotherapy.

Impact of microRNA-34a and polymorphism of its target gene CA9 on susceptibility to uterine cervical cancer

The purposes of this study were to associate the genetic polymorphisms in carbonic anhydrase (CA) 9 with uterine cervical cancer and identify the clinical implications. Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs2071676 (+201, G/A), rs3829078 (+1081, A/G), and rs1048638 (+1584, C/A), and an 18-base-pair deletion/insertion (376del393) in CA9 were examined. We used the Boyden chamber assay to evaluate the influence of CA9 on the migration of cervical cancers. Tissue microarrays were used to evaluate CAIX immunoreactivity and determine its clinical significance. The results revealed that the CA9 SNP rs1048638 is the only significant polymorphism that increases the risk of cervical cancer in Taiwanese women. We discovered that the CA9 SNP rs1048638 influences the expression of CA9 through the interaction between the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of exon 11, where the SNP is located, and miR-34a, and influences the migration of cervical cancer cells. Moreover, we demonstrated that CAIX immunoreactivity is related to the occurrence of cervical cancer, and elevated CAIX immunoreactivity is associated with a more advanced stage. In conclusion, the finding that the CA9 SNP rs1048638 exerts its action through duplexes of the miR-34a and CA9 3′-UTRs and plays a vital role in cervical cancer in Taiwanese women may be applicable to translational medicine.

Melatonin as a potential inhibitory agent in head and neck cancer

Melatonin is a molecule secreted by the pineal gland; it is an important regulator of sleep and circadian rhythms. Through multiple interrelated mechanisms, melatonin exhibits various inhibitory properties at different stages of tumor progression. Many studies have explored the oncostatic effects of melatonin on hormone-dependent tumors. In this review, we highlight recent advances in understanding the effects of melatonin on the development of head and neck cancers, including molecular mechanisms identified through experimental and clinical observations. Because melatonin exerts a wide range of effects, melatonin may influence many mechanisms that influence the development of cancer. These include cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, extracellular matrix remodeling through matrix metalloproteinases, and genetic polymorphism. Thus, the evidence discussed in this article will serve as a basis for basic and clinical research to promote the use of melatonin for understanding and controlling the development of head and neck cancers.

Expression of ORAOV1, CD133 and WWOX correlate with metastasis and prognosis in gastric adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Oral cancer overexpressed 1 (ORAOV1) which is a novel candidate oncogene is a useful biomarker of metastasis and prognosis in various cancers. CD133 which is a biomarker of cancer stem cells is overexpressed in many cancers and promotes cancer cells growth and metastasis. WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) which is a suppressor gene of tumor can inhibit proliferation and promote apoptosis in various cancers. However, associations among ORAOV1, CD133, and WWOX and their clinicopathological significance in gastric adenocarcionma (GAC) are unclear. In this study, we analyzed associations among ORAOV1, CD133, and WWOX in GAC, and their respective associations with clinicopathological characteristics and survival in GAC.

METHOD

Positive expression of ORAOV1, CD133, and WWOX in 236 whole GAC tissue samples were detected by immunohistochemistry staining. Patients' clinical data were also collected.

RESULTS

Levels of ORAOV1 and CD133 were significantly higher, and levels of WWOX significantly lower, in GAC tissues than in normal gastric tissues. Levels of ORAOV1 and CD133 were positively associated with tumor grade, invasion of depth, lymph node metastasis (LNM), and tumor-node metastasis (TNM) stages, and inversely with patients overall survival time; levels of WWOX was negatively correlated with tumor grade, invasion of depth, LNM, and TNM stages, and the WWOX-positive subgroup had significantly longer overall survival time than did the WWOX-negative subgroup. In multivariate analysis, high expression of ORAOV1 and CD133, invasion of depth, and TNM stages, and low expression of WWOX were potential to be independent prognostic factors for overall survival time in patients with GAC.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of ORAOV1, CD133, and WWOX represent promising biomarkers for metastasis and prognosis, and potential therapeutic targets for GAC.

FUT2 genetic variants as predictors of tumor development with hepatocellular carcinoma

Lewis antigens related to the ABO blood group are fucosylated oligosaccharides and are synthesized by specific glycosyltransferases (FUTs). FUTs are involved in various biological processes including cell adhesion and tumor progression. The fucosyltransferase-2 gene (FUT2) encodes alpha (1,2) fucosyltransferase, which is responsible for the addition of the alpha (1,2)-linkage of fucose to glycans. Aberrant fucosylation occurs frequently during the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the association of FUT2 polymorphisms with HCC development has not been studied. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association of FUT2 polymorphisms with demographic, etiological, and clinical characteristics and with susceptibility to HCC. In this study, a total of 339 patients and 720 controls were recruited. The genotypes of FUT2 at four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs281377, rs1047781, rs601338, and rs602662) were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction from these samples. Compared with the wild-type genotype at SNP rs1047781, which is homozygous for nucleotides AA, at least one polymorphic T allele (AT or TT) displayed significant association with clinical stage (p = 0.048) and tumor size (p = 0.022). Our study strongly implicates the polymorphic locus rs1047781 of FUT2 as being associated with HCC development.

Inhibitory effects of Leucaena leucocephala on the metastasis and invasion of human oral cancer cells

Oral cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and metastasis is recognized as a major factor causing its low survival rate. The inhibition of metastasis progress and the improvement of the survival rate for oral cancer are critical research objectives. Leucaena leucocephala from the mimosa branch Leucaena genus is native to Central and South America and has been used as a traditional remedy for treating various disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory as well as anticancer properties of L. leucocephala plant materials. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer effect induced by L. leucocephala remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of L. leucocephala extract (LLE) on SCC-9 and SAS oral cancer cells and examined the potential inhibitory mechanisms involved. The results indicated that LLE attenuated the migration and invasion abilities of both SCC-9 and SAS cells by reducing the activity and protein expression of matrix metalloproteinases-2 (MMP-2). Regarding mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 exhibited a significant inhibitory effect in the presence of LLE. The application of ERK inhibitor and p38 inhibitor confirmed that both signalling transduction pathways were involved in the inhibition of cell metastasis. These data indicate that L. leucocephala could be a potent therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of oral cancer and a prominent plant source for anticancer research in the future.

Functional genetic variant of WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma risk

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Human WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) gene has been identified as a tumor suppressor gene in multiple cancers. We hypothesize that genetic variations in WWOX are associated with HCC risk.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Five single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the WWOX gene were evaluated from 708 normal controls and 354 patients with HCC. We identified a significant association between a WWOX single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs73569323, and decreased risk of HCC. After adjustment for potential confounders, patients with at least one T allele at rs11545028 of WWOX may have a significantly smaller tumor size, reduced levels of α-fetoprotein and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Moreover, the A allele at SNP rs12918952 in WWOX conferred higher risk of vascular invasion. Additional in silico analysis also suggests that WWOX rs12918952 polymorphism tends to affect WWOX expression, which in turn contributes to tumor vascular invasion.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, genetic variations in WWOX may be a significant predictor of early HCC occurrence and a reliable biomarker for disease progression.

Effect of genetic variation in microRNA binding site in WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 gene on oral squamous cell carcinoma susceptibility

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), which is the most common head and neck cancer, accounts for 1%–2% of all human malignancies and is characterized by poor prognosis and reduced survival rates. WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1), a cysteine-rich protein belonging to the Cyr61, CTGF, Nov (CCN) family of matricellular proteins, has many developmental functions and may be involved in carcinogenesis. This study investigated WISP1 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to elucidate OSCC susceptibility and clinicopathologic characteristics.

Methodology/Principal findings

Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze 6 SNPs of WISP1 in 900 OSCC patients and 1200 cancer-free controls. The results showed that WISP1 rs2929970 polymorphism carriers with at least one G allele were susceptible to OSCC. Moreover, compared with smokers, non-smoker patients with higher frequencies of WISP1 rs2929970 (AG + GG) variants had a late stage (stages III and IV) and a large tumor size. In addition, OSCC patients who were betel quid chewers and carried WISP1 rs16893344 (CT + TT) variants had a low risk of lymph node metastasis.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that a joint effect of WISP1 rs2929970 with smoking as well as WISP1 rs16893344 with betel nut chewing causally contributes to the occurrence of OSCC. WISP1 polymorphism may serve as a marker or a therapeutic target in OSCC.

Effects of ADAMTS14 genetic polymorphism and cigarette smoking on the clinicopathologic development of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

ADAMTS14 is a member of the ADAMTS (adisintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs), which are proteolytic enzymes with a variety of further ancillary domain in the C-terminal region for substrate specificity and enzyme localization via extracellular matrix association. However, whether ADAMTS14 genetic variants play a role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) susceptibility remains unknown.

Methodology/Principal findings

Four non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) of the ADAMTS14 gene were examined from 680 controls and 340 patients with HCC. Among 141 HCC patients with smoking behaviour, we found significant associations of the rs12774070 (CC+AA vs CC) and rs61573157 (CT+TT vs CC) variants with a clinical stage of HCC (OR: 2.500 and 2.767; 95% CI: 1.148–5.446 and 1.096–6.483; P = 0.019 and 0.026, respectively) and tumour size (OR: 2.387 and 2.659; 95% CI: 1.098–5.188 and 1.055–6.704; P = 0.026 and 0.034, respectively), but not with lymph node metastasis or other clinical statuses. Moreover, an additional integrated in silico analysis proposed that rs12774070 and rs61573157 affected essential post-translation O-glycosylation site within the 3^rd thrombospondin type 1 repeat and a novel proline-rich region embedded within the C-terminal extension, respectively.

Conclusions

Taken together, our results suggest an involvement of ADAMTS14 SNP rs12774070 and rs61573157 in the liver tumorigenesis and implicate the ADAMTS14 gene polymorphism as a predict factor during the progression of HCC.

Combined effect of genetic polymorphisms of AURKA and environmental factors on oral cancer development in Taiwan

Background

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth and fourth most common cause of cancer death in men worldwide and in Taiwan, respectively. AURKA, which encodes a centrosome-related serine/threonine kinase, is frequently amplified and overexpressed in many human cancers, particularly advanced OSCC. We conducted a hospital-based case-control study to estimate AURKA single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and environmental risk factors to determine OSCC susceptibility and clinicopathological characteristics.

Methodology/Principal findings

We enrolled a total of 876 OSCC patients and 1200 controls. Four SNPs of AURKA, namely rs1047972, rs2273535, rs2064863, and rs6024836, were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among the 1420 smokers, the AURKA polymorphism carriers with the betel nut chewing habit had a higher risk of oral cancer than AURKA wild-type (WT) carriers without the betel nut chewing habit. Patients with the AURKA rs2064863 gene had a 1.365-fold higher risk of stage III or IV OSCC (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.029–1.811) than those with the rs2064863 WT gene. Furthermore, carriers of the AURKA rs1047972/rs2273535/rs2064863 C-A-T haplotype had a 1.736-fold (95% CI 1.110–2.715) higher risk of OSCC than controls (C-T-T, the most common haplotype). Among patients with the betel quid chewing habit, carriers of other haplotypes (C-T-T, C-A-G, T-A-T, T-A-G, T-T-T, and C-T-G) had a 12.857-fold (95% CI 10.731–15.404) increased risk, and carriers of the C-A-T haplotype had the highest risk (AOR: 31.120; 95% CI 13.864–69.850) of OSCC, compared with those without the betel quid chewing who harbored other haplotypes.

Conclusions

In conclusion, betel nut chewing combined with the AURKA C-A-T haplotypes lead to a high risk of OSCC. These findings reveal a novel genetic-environmental predisposition for oral tumorigenesis.

Genetic Variations of Melatonin Receptor Type 1A are Associated with the Clinicopathologic Development of Urothelial Cell Carcinoma

Melatonin counteracts tumor occurrence and tumor cell progression in several cancer types in vitro and in vivo. It acts predominantly through its melatonin receptor type 1A (MTNR1A), and genetic variations of MTNR1A affect the susceptibility several diseases and cancer. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of MTNR1A gene polymorphisms on the susceptibility to and clinicopathological characteristics of urothelial cell carcinoma (UCC). We recruited 272 patients with UCC and 272 normal controls to analyze three common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2119882, rs13140012, and rs6553010) of MTNR1A related to cancer risk and clinicopathological relevance according to a TaqMan-based real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We found that these three SNPs of MTNR1A were not associated with UCC susceptibility. However, patients with UCC who had at least one G allele of MTNR1A rs6553010 (in intron 1) were at higher risk (1.768-fold, 95% confidence interval: 1.068~1.849) of developing an invasive stage (p < 0.026), compared to those patients with AA homozygotes. In conclusion, polymorphic genotypes of rs6553010 of MTNR1A might contribute to the ability to predict aggressive phenotypes of UCC. This is the first study to provide insights into risk factors associated with intronic MTNR1A variants in the clinicopathologic development of UCC in Taiwan.

Correlation of Chitinase 3-Like 1 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Taiwan

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in Taiwan. Multiple risk factors, such as chronic hepatitis B or C virus infection, carcinogen exposure, cirrhosis, and various single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), are considered to contribute to hepatocarcinogenesis. Chitinase-3-like protein 1 (CHI3L1), a biomarker implicated in inflammation and tissue remodeling, plays a promoting role in angiogenesis, antiapoptosis, and cell proliferation. This study investigated the role of CHI3L1 SNPs in HCC susceptibility and clinicopathology. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to analyze four SNPs of CHI3L1 in 343 patients with HCC and 686 cancer-free controls. We found associations with HCC susceptibility in CHI3L1 rs880633 polymorphism carriers with genotypes (TC+CC). We observed that HCC patients had lower frequencies of CHI3L1 rs6691378 polymorphisms with the variant genotype GA+AA than the wild-type carriers with distant metastasis and positive HBsAg did. In 200 HBsAg negative HCC patients, we observed that the CHI3L1 rs4950928 polymorphisms carriers with the variant genotype CG+GG had higher frequencies of vascular invasion. Finally, carriers of CHI3L1 rs6691378 and 10399805 polymorphisms with the variant genotypes GA+AA showed lower levels of alpha-fetoprotein in HCC laboratory status. In conclusion, our results indicate that patients with CHI3L1 rs880633 variant genotypes TC+CC are at a higher risk of HCC. CHI3L1 polymorphisms rs880633 or rs4950928 may be potential candidates for predicting poor HCC prognosis and clinical status.