LMO1 gene polymorphisms contribute to decreased neuroblastoma susceptibility in a Southern Chinese population

LIM domain only 1: an oncogenic transcription cofactor contributing to the tumorigenesis of multiple cancer types

ABSTRACT

The LIM domain only 1 (LMO1) gene belongs to the LMO family of genes that encodes a group of transcriptional cofactors. This group of transcriptional cofactors regulates gene transcription by acting as a key "connector" or "scaffold" in transcription complexes. All LMOs, including LMO1, are important players in the process of tumorigenesis. Unique biological features of LMO1 distinct from other LMO members, such as its tissue-specific expression patterns, interacting proteins, and transcriptional targets, have been increasingly recognized. Studies indicated that LMO1 plays a critical oncogenic role in various types of cancers, including T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, neuroblastoma, gastric cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. The molecular mechanisms underlying such functions of LMO1 have also been investigated, but they are currently far from being fully elucidated. Here, we focus on reviewing the current findings on the role of LMO1 in tumorigenesis, the mechanisms of its oncogenic action, and the mechanisms that drive its aberrant activation in cancers. We also briefly review its roles in the development process and non-cancer diseases. Finally, we discuss the remaining questions and future investigations required for promoting the translation of laboratory findings to clinical applications, including cancer diagnosis and treatment.

LMO1 polymorphisms and the risk of neuroblastoma: Assessment of meta-analysis of case-control studies

Neuroblastoma (NB), a neuroendocrine tumour, is one of the most prevalent cancers in children. The link between LMO1 polymorphisms and NB has been investigated by several groups, rendering inconclusive results. Here, with this comprehensive systematic review and up‐to‐date meta‐analysis, we aim to distinctively elucidate the possible correlation between LMO1 polymorphisms and NB susceptibility. Eligible studies were systematically researched and identified using PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases up to 10 February 2019. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to assess the strength of the associations. Our findings revealed that rs110419 and rs2168101 polymorphisms were significantly associated with a decreased risk of NB in all genetic models. In addition, the rs4758051 variant appeared protective against NB in homozygous, dominant and allele genetic models, whereas the rs10840002 variant markedly decreased the risk of NB in the allele model. In contrast, the rs204938 polymorphism showed a positive association with NB susceptibility in allele genetic models. In summary, our meta‐analysis is the first to provide clear evidence of an association between specific polymorphisms of LMO1 and susceptibility to NB. Of note, additional larger well‐designed studies would be helpful to further evaluate and confirm this association.

Association of miR-146a, miR-149 and miR-196a2 polymorphisms with neuroblastoma risk in Eastern Chinese population: a three-center case-control study

Neuroblastoma is one of the most common malignancy in childhood, which originates from the developing sympathetic nervous system. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in primary miRNA (pri-miRNA) have shown to associate with cancer susceptibility, including neuroblastoma. Three precursor miRNA (pre-miRNA) SNPs (pre-miR-146a rs2910164, pre-miR-149 rs2292832 and pre-miR-196a2 rs11614913) were found to contribute to pathogenesis of various diseases. Here, to evaluate the association among these three pre-miRNA SNPs and neuroblastoma susceptibility in Eastern Chinese children, we carried out a three-center case-control study involving 312 neuroblastoma cases and 762 healthy controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to assess the association of these three polymorphisms with neuroblastoma risk. However, no significant association was observed among these three SNPs and neuroblastoma susceptibility, in either overall or subgroups analysis by tumor sites, gender and age. Further larger studies consisting of diverse ethnic populations are required to clarify the associations among these three pre-miRNAs polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk.

LMO1 Super-Enhancer rs2168101 G>T Polymorphism Reduces Wilms Tumor Risk

Wilms tumor is one of the most prevalent pediatric malignancies in childhood cancer worldwide. A genome-wide association study recognized that LIM domain only 1 (LMO1) increases the risk of oncogenic potential. An association has been found that LMO1 gene polymorphisms are associated with the susceptibility to Wilms tumor. One hundred forty-five children with Wilms tumor and 531 cancer-free children were included in this hospital-based case-control study. Five potentially functional polymorphisms in the LMO1 gene (rs2168101 G>T, rs1042359 A>G, rs11041838 G>C, rs2071458 C>A and rs3750952 G>C) were genotyped by the TaqMan method. The association between selected polymorphisms and Wilms tumor susceptibility was measured by calculating the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI). Only rs2168101 G>T polymorphism was found to have a significant protective effect against Wilms tumor (GT vs. GG: adjusted OR=0.58, 95% CI=0.39-0.88, P=0.010; GT/TT vs. GG: adjusted OR=0.67, 95% CI=0.46-0.97, P=0.034). Moreover, carriers of 3-5 protective genotypes had significantly lower tumor risk than carriers of 0-2 protective genotypes (adjusted OR=0.62, 95% CI=0.42-0.91, P=0.022). The stratified analysis showed that the protective effect of rs2168101 GT/TT was predominant in males, and rs2071458 GT/TT was predominant in females. Regarding the combined risk genotypes, the analysis indicated that the 3-5 protective genotypes collectively decreased Wilms tumor risk in females. These results suggest that LMO1 gene rs2168101 G>T polymorphism may help prevent Wilms tumor, but this conclusion should be verified in other populations and additional studies.

ABCC4 Variants Modify Susceptibility to Kawasaki Disease in a Southern Chinese Population

A previous family-based linkage study revealed that Kawasaki disease (KD) was associated with variations of the ATP-binding cassette subfamily C member 4 (ABCC4) gene in most European populations. However, significant differences exist among ethnic populations in European and Chinese subjects; therefore, whether ABCC4 variants indicate susceptibility to KD in Chinese children is unclear. The purpose of this research was to evaluate correlations between ABCC4 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to KD in a Southern Chinese population. We genotyped six polymorphisms (rs7986087, rs868853, rs3765534, rs1751034, rs3742106, and rs9561778) in 775 KD patients and 774 healthy controls. Ninety-five percent confidence intervals (95% CIs) and odds ratios (ORs) were used to assess the strength of each association. We found that the rs7986087 T variant genotype was associated with significantly higher susceptibility to KD (adjusted OR = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.05–1.60 for rs7986087 CT/TT). However, the rs868853 T variant genotype was associated with significantly lower susceptibility to KD (adjusted OR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.59–0.92 for rs868853 CT/CC). Compared with the patients with 0–4 ABCC4 risk genotypes, the patients with 5-6 ABCC4 risk genotypes had a significantly increased risk of KD (adjusted OR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.07–2.47), and this risk was more significant in the subgroups of females, subjects aged 12–60 months, and individuals with coronary artery lesions. These results indicate that specific single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the ABCC4 gene may increase susceptibility to KD in a Southern Chinese population.

The association between the miR-146a rs2910164 C>G polymorphism and Kawasaki disease in a southern Chinese population

miR-146a plays a critical role in innate immune and inflammatory responses. Kawasaki disease involves immune-mediated inflammatory responses, which leads to vascular endothelial injury. However, there has been no study on the association between the miR-146a rs2910164 C>G polymorphism and Kawasaki disease risk. We enrolled 532 Kawasaki disease patients and 623 healthy controls from southern Chinese population, and the miR-146a rs2910164 C>G polymorphism was genotyped by the TaqMan method. There was no evidence that this polymorphism was associated with Kawasaki disease. Stratified analysis also showed no significant association. The present study indicates that the miR-146a rs2910164 C>G polymorphism may not be associated with Kawasaki disease in the southern Chinese population. Larger multicenter studies are needed to confirm our conclusions.

HOTAIR gene polymorphisms contribute to increased neuroblastoma susceptibility in Chinese children

BACKGROUND

Neuroblastoma is the most frequently diagnosed extracranial solid tumor in children. Previous studies have shown that single-nucleotide polymorphisms in some genes are associated with the risk of multiple cancers, including neuroblastoma. Although Hox transcript antisense intergenic RNA (HOTAIR) gene polymorphisms have been investigated in a variety of cancers, to the authors' knowledge the relationships between HOTAIR gene polymorphisms and neuroblastoma susceptibility have not been reported to date. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the correlation between HOTAIR gene polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children.

METHODS

The authors genotyped 6 polymorphisms (rs920778 A>G, rs12826786 C>T, rs4759314 A>G, rs7958904 G>C, rs874945 C>T, and rs1899663 C>A) of the HOTAIR gene in 2 Chinese populations including 393 neuroblastoma cases and 812 healthy controls. The strength of the associations was evaluated using odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Further stratification analyses were conducted to explore the association between the HOTAIR gene polymorphisms rs12826786 C>T, rs874945 C>T, and rs1899663 C>A with neuroblastoma susceptibility in terms of age, sex, clinical stage of disease, and sites of origin.

RESULTS

The authors found that the rs12826786 C>T (P =.013), rs874945 C>T (P =.020), and rs1899663 C>A (P =.029) polymorphisms were significantly associated with increased neuroblastoma risk. In stratification analyses, these associations were more predominant in females and among patients with tumor in the retroperitoneal region or mediastinum. The remaining 3 polymorphisms were not found to be related to neuroblastoma susceptibility.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study verified that HOTAIR gene polymorphisms are associated with increased neuroblastoma risk and suggest that HOTAIR gene polymorphisms might be a potential biomarker for neuroblastoma susceptibility. Cancer 2018;124:2599-606. © 2018 American Cancer Society.

Association of Common Genetic Variants in Pre-microRNAs and Neuroblastoma Susceptibility: A Two-Center Study in Chinese Children

Neuroblastoma is a commonly occurring extracranial pediatric solid tumor without defined etiology. Polymorphisms in pre-miRNAs have been demonstrated to associate with the risk of several cancers. So far, no such polymorphism has been investigated in neuroblastoma. With this in mind, we performed a two-center case-control study to assess the association of genetic variants in pre-miRNAs and neuroblastoma susceptibility in Chinese children, including 393 cases and 812 controls. We found that miR-34b/c rs4938723 T > C polymorphism was significantly associated with decreased neuroblastoma risk (TC versus TT: adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 0.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.39-0.67; TC/CC versus TT: adjusted OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.48-0.79). We also observed the significant association between the miR-218 rs11134527 A > G polymorphism and decreased neuroblastoma risk (AG versus AA: adjusted OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.56-0.96). Stratified analysis further demonstrated that the protective effect of the rs4938723 T > C polymorphism remained prominent in the subgroups, regardless of age, gender, and clinical stages. In term of sites of origin, this polymorphism significantly reduced the risk of tumors originating from the adrenal gland. We further validated the significant results using false-positive report probability analyses. Overall, the miR-34b/c rs4938723 T > C and miR-218 rs11134527 A > G polymorphisms displayed a protective role from neuroblastoma. These findings need further validation.

RAN/RANBP2 polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children: a three-center case-control study

The genetic etiology of sporadic neuroblastoma remains largely obscure. RAN and RANBP2 genes encode Ras-related nuclear protein and Ran-binding protein 2, respectively. These two proteins form Ran-RanBP2 complex that regulate various cellular activities including nuclear transport. Aberrant functions of the two proteins are implicated in carcinogenesis. Given the unknown role of RAN/RANBP2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in neuroblastoma risk, we performed a multi-center case-control study in Chinese children to assess the association of the RAN/RANBP2 SNPs with neuroblastoma risk. We analyzed three potentially functional SNPs in RAN gene (rs56109543 C>T, rs7132224 A>G, rs14035 C>T) and one in RANBP2 (rs2462788 C>T) in 429 cases and 884 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to access the association between these four polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk. No single variant was found to statistically significantly associate with neuroblastoma risk. However, individuals with 3 protective genotypes were less likely to develop neuroblastoma, in comparison to non-carriers (adjusted OR=0.33; 95% CI=0.12-0.96; P=0.042), as well as those with 0-2 protective genotypes (adjusted OR=0.33; 95% CI=0.11-0.94; P=0.038). Stratified analysis revealed no significant association for any of the four polymorphisms. Further studies are warranted to validate the weak impact of RAN/RANBP2 SNPs on neuroblastoma risk.

Functional Polymorphisms at ERCC1/XPF Genes Confer Neuroblastoma Risk in Chinese Children

Variations in nucleotide excision repair pathway genes may predispose to initiation of cancers. However, polymorphisms of ERCC1/XPF genes and neuroblastoma risk have not been investigated before. To evaluate the relevance of polymorphisms of ERCC1/XPF genes in influencing neuroblastoma susceptibility, we genotyped four polymorphisms in ERCC1/XPF genes using a Chinese population of 393 cases and 812 controls. The results showed that ERCC1 rs2298881 and rs11615 predisposed to enhanced neuroblastoma risk [CA vs. AA: adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.94, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.30-2.89, P=0.0012; CC vs. AA: adjusted OR=2.18, 95% CI=1.45-3.26, P=0.0002 for rs2298881, and AG vs. GG: adjusted OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.02-1.69, P=0.038 for rs11615]. Moreover, XPF rs2276466 was also associated with increased neuroblastoma risk (GG vs. CC: adjusted OR=1.66, 95% CI=1.02-2.71, P=0.043). In the combined analysis of ERCC1, we found that carriers with 2-3 risk genotypes were more likely to get risk of neuroblastoma, when compared to those with 0-1 risk genotype (adjusted OR=1.75; 95% CI=1.25-2.45, P=0.0012). Our study indicates that common genetic variations in ERCC1/XPF genes predispose to neuroblastoma risk, which needs to be further validated by ongoing efforts.

Associations between lncRNA MEG3 polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children

Neuroblastoma is the third most common childhood cancer after leukemias and cancer of the central nervous system. Long noncoding RNA MEG3 polymorphisms have been shown to confer cancer susceptibility; however, their roles in the genetic predisposition to neuroblastoma remain unclarified. To answer this question, we genotyped two MEG3 polymorphisms, rs7158663 G>A and rs4081134 G>A, in 392 neuroblastoma children and 783 controls by TaqMan method. The results showed that neither single locus nor the combination analysis supported an association between MEG3 polymorphism and neuroblastoma risk. Interestingly, we found that subjects carrying rs4081134 AG/AA genotypes significantly tended to develop neuroblastoma among subgroups with age >18 month (adjusted OR=1.36, 95% CI=1.01-1.84) and clinical stage III+IV disease (adjusted OR=1.47, 95% CI=1.08-1.99), when compared with reference group. In the combined analysis of MEG3 polymorphisms, we found that carriers of 2 risk genotypes were more likely to have higher risk of developing neuroblastoma than those with 0-1 risk genotype among children more than 18 months of age (adjusted OR=1.36, 95% CI=1.01-1.84, P=0.042), and with clinical stages III+IV disease (adjusted OR=1.47, 95% CI=1.08-2.00, P=0.014). Our data suggest MEG3 as a weak-effect neuroblastoma susceptibility gene. Well-designed studies with large sample studies are needed to further validate this finding.

Genetic susceptibility to neuroblastoma: current knowledge and future directions

Neuroblastoma, a malignancy of the developing peripheral nervous system that affects infants and young children, is a complex genetic disease. Over the past two decades, significant progress has been made toward understanding the genetic determinants that predispose to this often lethal childhood cancer. Approximately 1-2% of neuroblastomas are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion and a combination of co-morbidity and linkage studies has led to the identification of germline mutations in PHOX2B and ALK as the major genetic contributors to this familial neuroblastoma subset. The genetic basis of "sporadic" neuroblastoma is being studied through a large genome-wide association study (GWAS). These efforts have led to the discovery of many common susceptibility alleles, each with modest effect size, associated with the development and progression of sporadic neuroblastoma. More recently, next-generation sequencing efforts have expanded the list of potential neuroblastoma-predisposing mutations to include rare germline variants with a predicted larger effect size. The evolving characterization of neuroblastoma's genetic basis has led to a deeper understanding of the molecular events driving tumorigenesis, more precise risk stratification and prognostics and novel therapeutic strategies. This review details the contemporary understanding of neuroblastoma's genetic predisposition, including recent advances and discusses ongoing efforts to address gaps in our knowledge regarding this malignancy's complex genetic underpinnings.

XPA gene polymorphisms and risk of neuroblastoma in Chinese children: a two-center case-control study

Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor arising from the developing sympathetic nervous system, which mainly affects children. Variations in XPA gene have been shown to confer cancer susceptibility. However, no investigation has been reported regarding the association between XPA polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk. This study was conducted to measure the association of XPA polymorphisms with neuroblastoma susceptibility in Chinese children. In this hospital-based case-control study with 393 cases and 812 controls, we genotyped two polymorphisms (rs1800975 T>C, and rs3176752 G>T) in XPA gene to access their contributions to neuroblastoma risk by TaqMan methods. The strength of the association with neuroblastoma risk was estimated by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). No single polymorphism was found to predispose to neuroblastoma susceptibility. When risk genotypes were combined, we found that carriers of 1-2 risk genotypes had significantly increased neuroblastoma risk (adjusted OR=1.28; 95% CI=1.001-1.64, P=0.049), when compared to non-carriers. Stratification analysis by age, gender, sites of origin and clinical stages failed to show any significant association. Our study provides cues that XPA gene polymorphisms may exert a weak effect in neuroblastoma risk. This finding needs further validations by larger sample size studies.

Association between NEFL Gene Polymorphisms and Neuroblastoma Risk in Chinese Children: A Two-Center Case-Control Study

Neuroblastoma is a lethal tumor that mainly occurs in children. To date, the genetic etiology of sporadic neuroblastoma remains obscure. A previous study identified three neuroblastoma susceptibility loci (rs11994014 G>A, rs2979704 T>C, rs1059111 A>T) in neurofilament light (NEFL) gene. Here, we attempted to evaluate the contributions of these three single nucleotide polymorphisms to neuroblastoma susceptibility in Chinese children. We genotyped these three polymorphisms using subjects from Guangdong province (256 cases and 531 controls) and Henan province (118 cases and 281 controls). Logistic regression models were performed to generate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals to access the association of these three polymorphisms with neuroblastoma risk. Overall, we failed to provide any evidence supporting the association between these three polymorphisms and neuroblastoma susceptibility, either in single center population or in the combined population. Moreover, such null association was also observed when the samples were stratified by age, gender, tumor sites, and clinical stages. In the future, larger samples from different ethnicities are needed to clarify the role of NEFL gene polymorphisms in neuroblastoma risk.

Genetic variants in the nucleotide excision repair pathway genes and gastric cancer susceptibility in a southern Chinese population

BACKGROUND

Potentially functional polymorphisms can modulate protein activities and host's DNA repair capacity, thereby influencing cancer susceptibility. The association of the polymorphisms in the nucleotide excision repair core pathway genes and gastric cancer susceptibility remains largely unknown.

METHODS

Here, we systematically analyzed the associations between nine polymorphisms in four key genes (XPA, ERCC1, ERCC2, and ERCC4) in the nucleotide excision repair pathway and gastric cancer risk in a Chinese population including 1142 patients and 1173 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to estimate the risk associations.

RESULTS

We observed that ERCC1 rs2298881 CA variant genotype was associated with an increased gastric cancer risk (CA vs. CC: adjusted OR [AOR]=1.33, 95% CI=1.09-1.62; dominant model: AOR=1.32, 95% CI=1.10-1.60). However, ERCC1 rs3212986 AA variant genotype was identified as a protective factor for gastric cancer (AA vs. CC: AOR=0.73, 95% CI=0.54-0.98; recessive model: AOR=0.72, 95% CI=0.54-0.96). Genotype-based mRNA expression analysis further indicated that the rs2298881 A allele was associated with decreased ERCC1 mRNA expression.

CONCLUSION

In all, these results indicated that the ERCC1 polymorphisms may affect the risk of gastric cancer in the Chinese Han population.

Polymorphisms in MYCN gene and neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children: a 3-center case-control study

INTRODUCTION

Neuroblastoma is an embryonal tumor of the sympathetic nervous system. The MYCN oncogene is amplified in some neuroblastoma patients and correlated with poor prognosis. However, less is known regarding the relationship between MYCN gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and neuroblastoma risk.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

To investigate the contribution of MYCN gene polymorphisms to neuroblastoma risk, we performed a 3-center case-control study by genotyping 4 SNPs in the MYCN gene from 429 cases and 884 controls.

RESULTS

The results showed that only rs57961569 G>A was associated with neuroblastoma risk (GA vs GG: adjusted odds ratio =0.76, 95% confidence interval =0.60-0.98, P=0.033), while the other 3 SNPs were not (rs9653226 T>C, rs13034994 A>G, and rs60226897 G>A). Stratified analysis revealed that rs57961569 GG carriers were more likely to develop neuroblastoma in the following subgroups: children older than 18 months, tumor derived from the adrenal gland, and clinical stages III + IV. The increased neuroblastoma risk associated with the rs9653226 variant CC genotypes was more evident in the following subgroups: females, tumor derived from the adrenal gland, and clinical stages III + IV. The presence of 2-3 risk genotypes had a significant relationship with the following subgroups: tumor derived from the adrenal gland and clinical stages III + IV.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a weak impact of MYCN gene polymorphisms on neuroblastoma risk, which should be further validated.

LMO1 Gene Polymorphisms Reduce Neuroblastoma Risk in Eastern Chinese Children: A Three-Center Case-Control Study

Background: Neuroblastoma, a neuroendocrine tumor, stems from the developing sympathetic nervous system. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have discovered a number of neuroblastoma susceptibility genes in Caucasians including LIM domain only 1 (LMO1). Objective: We conducted a three-center case-control study including 313 cases and 716 controls with the purpose to evaluate the association between five GWAS-identified LMO1 variants (rs110419 A>G, rs4758051 G>A, rs10840002 A>G, rs204938 A>G, and rs2168101 G>T) and neuroblastoma susceptibility in eastern Chinese children. Methods: Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the associations. False positive report possibility (FPRP) analysis was performed to check whether significant results were noteworthy. Results: Significant associations with neuroblastoma risk were found for four (rs110419, rs4758051, rs10840002, and rs2168101) out of the five polymorphisms. Combined analysis demonstrated that carriers of 4-5 protective genotypes had a significantly decreased risk of neuroblastoma in comparison those with 0-3 protective genotypes (adjusted OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.39-0.68, P < 0.0001). Haplotype analysis of the five SNPs yield four significant haplotypes associated with neuroblastoma susceptibility. Conclusion: In conclusion, we confirmed LMO1 polymorphisms may reduce neuroblastoma risk in eastern Chinese populations.

LMO1 super-enhancer polymorphism rs2168101 G>T correlates with decreased neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children

Neuroblastoma is one of the most frequently occurring childhood cancers. The rs2168101 G>T polymorphism observed in the LMO1 gene is located at a conserved GATA transcription factor binding motif. This polymorphism was reported to be significantly associated with neuroblastoma susceptibility. However, whether this and other functional polymorphisms can affect neuroblastoma risk of Chinese children remains unknown. We conducted a two-center hospital-based case-control study with a total of 374 cases and 812 controls to assess the role of five LMO1 gene polymorphisms in the neuroblastoma risk. We confirmed that rs2168101 G>T was significantly associated with decreased neuroblastoma risk for both northern and southern Chinese children and the combined subjects [GT vs. GG: adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.44-0.74, P<0.0001; TT vs. GG: adjusted OR=0.29, 95% CI=0.15-0.56, P=0.0002; GT/TT vs. GG: adjusted OR=0.53, 95% CI=0.41-0.68, P<0.0001; and TT vs. GT/GG: adjusted OR=0.36, 95% CI=0.19-0.69, P=0.002] after adjustment for age and gender. This association was further confirmed by performing a stratifying analysis and a false-positive report probability analysis. Similar results were observed for the rs3750952 G>C polymorphism. In summary, the current study confirmed that the potentially functional LMO1 rs2168101 G>T and rs3750952 G>C polymorphisms were associated with neuroblastoma susceptibility. This research requires further validation with larger sample sizes and inclusion of different ethnicities.

The correlation between LIN28B gene potentially functional variants and Wilms tumor susceptibility in Chinese children

BACKGROUND

Wilms tumor (WT) is the most common urologic cancer in children. However, genetic bases underlying WT remain largely unknown. Previous studies indicated that Lin28 homolog B (LIN28B) level is significantly elevated in some WTs. Enforced expression of Lin28b during kidney development could induce WT. Genetic variations in the LIN28B gene may be related to WT susceptibility.

METHOD

In this study, we aimed to assess the association between LIN28B gene polymorphisms and WT susceptibility in Chinese children. Four potentially functional polymorphisms in the LIN28B gene (rs314276 C>A, rs221634 A>T, rs221635 T>C and rs9404590 T>G) were genotyped in 145 cases and 531 cancer-free controls, using Taqman method. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to evaluate the strength of the associations.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the rs314276 CA genotype was associated with a decreased WT risk (CA vs CC: adjusted OR=0.65, 95% CI=0.43-0.98, P=.042). Moreover, we found that carriers of the 1-3 risk genotypes had a significantly increased WT risk when compared to the non-carriers (adjusted OR=1.51, 95% CI=1.03-2.20, P=.035). The association with risk genotypes was more predominant in children 18 month old or younger and in females.

CONCLUSION

In summary, these results indicated that the LIN28B gene rs314276 C>A polymorphism alone and three combined polymorphisms may be able to modify WT susceptibility in Southern Chinese children. Our findings call for further validation in large studies with different ethnicities involved.

Genetic Variations of GWAS-Identified Genes and Neuroblastoma Susceptibility: a Replication Study in Southern Chinese Children

Neuroblastoma is one of the most commonly diagnosed solid cancers for children, and genetic factors may play a critical role in neuroblastoma development. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified nine genes associated with neuroblastoma susceptibility in Caucasians. To determine whether genetic variations in these genes are also associated with neuroblastoma susceptibility in Southern Chinese children, we genotyped 25 polymorphisms within these genes by the TaqMan method in 256 cases and 531 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the strength of the associations. We performed a meta-analysis to further evaluate the associations. Furthermore, we calculated the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUC) to assess which gene/genes may better predict neuroblastoma risk. We confirmed that CASC15 rs6939340 A>G, rs4712653 T>C, rs9295536 C>A, LIN28B rs221634 A>T, and LMO1 rs110419 A>G were associated with significantly altered neuroblastoma susceptibility. We also confirmed that rs6939340 A>G (G versus A: OR=1.30, 95% CI=1.13-1.50) and rs110419 G>A (A versus G: OR=1.37, 95% CI=1.19-1.58) were associated with increased neuroblastoma risk for all subjects. We also found that the combination of polymorphisms in CASC15, LIN28B, and LMO1 may be used to predict neuroblastoma risk (AUC=0.63, 95% CI=0.59-0.67). Overall, we verified five GWAS-identified polymorphisms that were associated with neuroblastoma susceptibility alteration for Southern Chinese population; however, these results need further validation in studies with larger sample sizes.

CASC15 gene polymorphisms reduce neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children

In this case-control study, we analyzed the association between three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CASC15 gene (rs6939340 A>G, rs4712653 T>C, and rs9295536 C>A) and neuroblastoma susceptibility in the Guangdong and Henan populations of China. We genotyped and analyzed 118 cases and 281 control subjects from Henan province and combined them with previously published data from the Guangdong population. In the Henan population, only the rs6939340 G>A variant homozygote AA was associated with decreased neuroblastoma risk [AA vs. GG: adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 0.47, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.23-0.98; P=0.045]. All three polymorphisms, individually and in combination, were associated with decreased neuroblastoma susceptibility in the Guangdong population. Moreover, subjects carrying 1-3 of these protective genotypes had lower neuroblastoma susceptibility than non-carriers (adjusted OR=0.65, 95% CI=0.51-0.84, P=0.0007). These results show that all three genetic variants of CASC15 identified in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) decrease neuroblastoma risk in two distinct Chinese populations.

LMO1 polymorphisms reduce neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children: a two-center case-control study

Previous genome-wide association and validation studies suggest that LIM domain only 1 (LMO1) gene polymorphisms affect neuroblastoma susceptibility. In this work, we used Taqman methodology to genotype four LMO1 polymorphisms (rs110419 A > G, rs4758051 G > A, rs10840002 A > G and rs204938 A > G) in 118 neuroblastoma cases and 281 controls from Northern China. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to evaluate the association. We found that rs4758051 G > A was associated with a decreased neuroblastoma risk (AA vs. GG: adjusted OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.13-0.62; AG/AA vs. GG: adjusted OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.40-0.97; AA vs. GG/AG: adjusted OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.15-0.69). Likewise, carrying the rs10840002 G allele was also associated with a decreased neuroblastoma risk in this Northern Chinese population. In a combination analysis using Southern and Northern Chinese populations, we found that those carrying the rs110419 G, rs4758051 A or rs10840002 G allele were at decreased neuroblastoma risk, and this finding was supported by a false-positive report probability analysis. These results further verify that LMO1 polymorphisms are protective against neuroblastoma. Case-control studies with larger samples and using other ethnicities are still needed to confirm our conclusion.

Associations between LMO1 gene polymorphisms and Wilms' tumor susceptibility

Wilms' tumor is the most common childhood renal malignancy. A genome-wide association study identified LIM domain only 1 (LMO1) as having oncogenic potential. We examined the associations between LMO1 gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to Wilms' tumor. In this hospital-based, case-control study, we recruited 145 children with Wilms' tumor and 531 cancer-free children. Four polymorphisms (rs110419 A>G, rs4758051 G>A, rs10840002 A>G and rs204938 A>G) were genotyped using Taqman methodology. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to measure the associations between selected polymorphisms and Wilms' tumor susceptibility. Only rs110419 AG was found to be protective against Wilms' tumor (adjusted OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.41-0.94, P = 0.024) when compared to rs110419 AA. Wilms' tumor risk was markedly greater in children with 1-4 risk genotypes (nucleotide alterations) than in those with no risk genotypes (adjusted OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.25-2.69, P = 0.002). In a stratified analysis, the protective effect of rs110419 AG/GG was predominant in males. The association of 1-4 risk genotypes with Wilms' tumor risk was limited to subgroups of children who were >18 months old, female, and in clinical stages III+IV. Thus, LMO1 gene polymorphisms may contribute to Wilms' tumor risk, but this conclusion should be validated in other populations and larger studies.

The TP53 gene rs1042522 C>G polymorphism and neuroblastoma risk in Chinese children

TP53, a tumor suppressor gene, plays a critical role in cell cycle control, apoptosis, and DNA damage repair. Previous studies have indicated that the TP53 gene Arg72Pro (rs1042522 C>G) polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to various types of cancer. We evaluated the association of the TP53 gene rs1042522 C>G polymorphism with neuroblastoma susceptibility in a hospital-based study among the Chinese Han population. Enrolled were 256 patients and 531 controls. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) generated using logistic regression models were used to determine the strength of the association of interest. No association was detected between rs1042522 C>G polymorphism and neuroblastoma risk. In our stratification analysis of age, gender, sites of origin, and clinical stages, we observed that subjects with rs1042522 CG/GG genotypes had a lower risk of developing neuroblastoma in the mediastinum (Adjusted OR=0.52, 95% CI=0.33-0.82, P=0.005) than those carrying the CC genotype. These results indicate that TP53 gene rs1042522 C>G polymorphism may exert a weak and site-specific effect on neuroblastoma risk in Southern Chinese children and warrant further confirmation.

BARD1 Gene Polymorphisms Confer Nephroblastoma Susceptibility

BRCA1-associated RING domain protein 1 (BARD1) is a tumor suppressor, which forms a heterodimer with BRCA1. Three BARD1 gene polymorphisms (rs7585356 G>A, rs6435862 T>G and rs3768716 A>G) were initially identified as high-risk neuroblastoma susceptibility loci by a previous GWAS. Because of the general tumor-suppressing function of BARD1, we hypothesized that these BARD1 gene polymorphisms might modify the susceptibility to nephroblastoma. We genotyped these polymorphisms in 145 cases and 531 controls using Taqman methods. Out of three polymorphisms, only the rs7585356 G>A polymorphism was significantly associated with increased susceptibility to nephroblastoma [AA vs. GG: adjusted odds ratio (OR)=1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.01-3.12]. Combined analysis of three polymorphisms indicated that subjects with 3 risk genotypes exhibited significantly elevated nephroblastoma risk, when compared with subjects with 0-2 risk genotypes (adjusted OR=1.72, 95% CI=1.02-2.89). Stratified analysis revealed that in term of clinical stage, rs7585356 AA carriers were associated with increased risk of developing clinical stage I+II nephroblastoma. The presence of three risk genotypes was significantly associated with nephroblastoma risk in females and clinical stage I+II nephroblastoma. Our results suggested that BARD1 rs7585356 G>A may be associated with nephroblastoma risk.

Common variations within HACE1 gene and neuroblastoma susceptibility in a Southern Chinese population

Neuroblastoma is a common fatal pediatric cancer of the developing sympathetic nervous system, which accounts for ~10% of all pediatric cancer deaths. To investigate genetic risk factors related to neuroblastoma, many genome-wide association studies have been performed, and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within HACE1 gene have been identified to associate with neuroblastoma risk. However, the association of the HACE1 SNPs with neuroblastoma needs to be validated in Southern Chinese children. We genotyped five SNPs located in the HACE1 gene (rs4336470 C>T, rs9404576 T>G, rs4079063 A>G, rs2499663 T>C, and rs2499667 A>G) in 256 Southern Chinese patients in comparison with 531 ethnically matched healthy controls. Single locus analysis showed no significant association between any of HACE1 SNPs and neuroblastoma risk in Southern Chinese children. However, when all the risk genotypes were combined, we found a borderline significant trend toward an increased neuroblastoma risk with 4-5 risk genotypes (adjusted odds ratio =1.36, 95% confidence interval =0.98-1.89, P=0.065). Moreover, stratified analysis found that carriers of 4-5 risk genotypes tended to develop neuroblastoma in the retroperitoneal region and have more aggressive tumors, progressing to advanced clinical stages III/IV, when compared with those of 0-3 risk genotypes. In conclusion, HACE1 gene may have weak effect on neuroblastoma risk in Southern Chinese children. Large well-designed studies are needed to strengthen our findings.

HSD17B12 gene rs11037575 C>T polymorphism confers neuroblastoma susceptibility in a Southern Chinese population

A previous genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified four genetic polymorphisms (rs1027702 near DUSP12, rs10055201 in IL31RA, rs2619046 in DDX4, and rs11037575 in HSD17B12 gene) that were associated with neuroblastoma susceptibility, especially for low-risk subjects. The aim of this study was to examine the association between these four polymorphisms and neuroblastoma susceptibility in a Southern Chinese population composed of 256 cases and 531 controls. Overall, among all the polymorphisms, single-locus analysis only revealed significant association between the HSD17B12 rs11037575 C>T polymorphism and neuroblastoma susceptibility (CT vs CC: adjusted odds ratio [OR] =0.71, 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.51-0.97, P=0.030). Moreover, stratified analysis indicated that the rs11037575 T allele was associated with decreased neuroblastoma risk among the children aged 0-18 months (adjusted OR =0.60, 95% CI =0.37-0.97, P=0.036); regarding the tumor site, this polymorphism protected against tumor in the mediastinum (adjusted OR =0.59, 95% CI =0.37-0.94, P=0.025). When risk genotypes were combined, we found that girls with two to four risk genotypes were at a significantly increased risk of neuroblastoma (adjusted OR =1.65, 95% CI =1.03-2.64, P=0.039). In terms of clinical stages, individuals with two to four risk genotypes had a tendency toward the development of stage III/IV diseases (adjusted OR =1.69, 95% CI =1.12-2.54, P=0.012). In conclusion, we verified that the HSD17B12 rs11037575 T allele might negatively associate with neuroblastoma risk. These findings need further validation by prospective studies with larger sample size and different ethnicities.

Association between TP53 gene Arg72Pro polymorphism and Wilms' tumor risk in a Chinese population

Wilms' tumor is one of the most prevalent pediatric malignancies, ranking fourth in childhood cancer worldwide. TP53 is a critical tumor suppressor gene, which encodes a 53 kDa protein, p53. The p53 functions to protect against cancer by regulating cell cycle and apoptosis and maintaining DNA integrity. TP53 gene is highly polymorphic. Several TP53 gene polymorphisms have been considered to be associated with cancer risk. Of them, a nonsynonymous polymorphism, Arg72Pro (rs1042522 C>G), has been most extensively studied for the association with cancer risk; however, few studies have investigated its effect on Wilms' tumor. Because of the central role of p53 in cell cycle control, the TP53 gene Arg72Pro polymorphism is also a good potential candidate predisposition locus for this pediatric cancer. We genotyped this polymorphism in 145 patients and 531 cancer-free controls recruited from Chinese children by Taqman methodology. Overall, our result suggested a lack of association between the TP53 gene Arg72Pro polymorphism and Wilms' tumor. In the stratified analysis, we found that carriers of CG/GG genotypes had a significantly increased Wilms' tumor risk in children not older than 18 months (adjusted odds ratio =2.04, 95% confidence interval =1.003-4.13, P=0.049) compared with CC genotype carriers. Our study indicated that the TP53 gene Arg72Pro polymorphism may have a weak, age-related effect on Wilms' tumor risk in Chinese children. These findings need further validations in other populations with larger sample size.

Association of adiponectin receptor 1 gene - 106 C > T variant with susceptibility to colorectal cancer

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death around the world and accumulated evidence indicates the association between CRC and obesity and insulin resistance.

Objectives

Regarding the role of adiponectin in obesity and insulin resistance, we explored whether genetic variants in adiponectin (ADIPOQ) and adiponectin receptor 1 (ADIPOR1) are associated with CRC risk.

Materials and methods

ADIPOQ (rs2241766) and ADIPOR1 (rs2275738) gene variants were genotyped in 261 cases with CRC and 339 controls using PCR-RFLP method.

Results

In this study, no significant difference was observed for ADIPOQ gene rs2241766 variant between the cases and controls. However, carriers of the ADIPOR1 (rs2275738) “CC + CT” genotype compared with “TT” genotype occurred more frequently in the cases with CRC than the controls, and the difference remained significant after adjustment for age, BMI, sex, smoking status, NSAID use, and family history of CRC (P = 0.048; OR = 1.49, 95%CI = 1.01–2.20). Interestingly, after adjustment for confounding factors the ADIPOR1 “CC + TC” genotype compared with “TT” genotype was also associated with an increased risk for obesity in the cases (P = 0.040; OR = 1.86, 95%CI = 1.03–3.36).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest for the first time that the − 106 C > T (rs2275738) variant of ADIPOR1 gene may be a genetic contributor to CRC and obesity risk in the cases with CRC. However, further studies with bigger sample size are needed to validate these findings.

Lack of Associations between XPC Gene Polymorphisms and Neuroblastoma Susceptibility in a Chinese Population

Neuroblastoma is one of the most malignant solid tumors in infants and young children. No more than 40% of neuroblastoma patients can survive for longer than five years after it has been diagnosed. XPC protein is a pivotal factor that recognizes DNA damage and starts up the nucleotide excision repair (NER) in mammalian cells. This makes up the first group to defend against the cancer. Previous studies have identified that XPC gene polymorphisms were associated with various types of cancer. However, the associations between XPC gene polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk have not yet been studied. We investigated the associations between three XPC gene polymorphisms (rs2228001 A>C, rs2228000 C>T, and rs2229090 G>C) and neuroblastoma risk with 256 neuroblastoma patients and 531 healthy controls in a Chinese Han population. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were used to access the association between these three polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk. No significant association was detected between these three polymorphisms and neuroblastoma risk in the overall analysis as well as in the stratification analysis. These results suggest that none of these three polymorphisms may be associated with the risk of neuroblastoma in the Chinese Han population.