Correlation between Lsp1 (Rs3817198) and Casc (Rs4784227) Polymorphisms and the Susceptibility to Breast Cancer

The expression of the lncRNAs USP30-AS1, ELFN1-AS1, GAS8-AS1, and SNHG11 in breast cancer samples from Iranian patients from 2014 to 2019: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Breast cancer is a widely prevalent and life-threatening malignancy that affects women worldwide. The identification of novel molecular markers associated with tumor progression is highly important for enhancing early detection, tailoring treatment approaches, and monitoring therapeutic outcomes. In this study, we investigated the expression patterns of four long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs): USP30 antisense RNA1 (USP30-AS1), ELFN1 antisense RNA1 (ELFN1-AS1), GAS8 antisense RNA1 (GAS8-AS1), and small nucleolar RNA host gene 11 (SNHG11).

RESULTS

In breast cancer specimens, USP30-AS1 and GAS8-AS1 expression was decreased, whereas ELFN1-AS1 and SNHG11 expression was increased in breast cancer tissues compared with adjacent noncancer tissues. Decreased USP30-AS1 levels were associated with a smaller tumor size, lower tumor grade and stage, and the absence of lymphatic and vascular invasion. Lower GAS8-AS1 expression was associated with a lower tumor grade and positive estrogen and progestin receptor status. Elevated ELFN1-AS1 expression was associated with breast cancer that lacked P53 mutation. These changes suggest their promise as biomarkers for distinguishing between cancerous and noncancerous tissues.

Integrating Single-Cell RNA-Seq and Bulk RNA-Seq to Construct a Novel γδT Cell-Related Prognostic Signature for Human Papillomavirus-Infected Cervical Cancer

BACKGROUND

Gamma delta (γδ) T cells play dual roles in human tumors, with both antitumor and tumor-promoting functions. However, the role of γδT cells in HPV-infected cervical cancer is still undetermined. Therefore, we aimed to identify γδT cell-related prognostic signatures in the cervical tumor microenvironment.

METHODS

Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data, bulk RNA-seq data, and corresponding clinical information of cervical cancer patients were obtained from the TCGA and GEO databases. The Seurat R package was used for single-cell analysis, and machine learning algorithms were used to screen and construct a γδT cell-related prognostic signature. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect the expression of prognostic signature genes.

RESULTS

Single-cell analysis indicated distinct populations of γδT cells between HPV-positive (HPV+) and HPV-negative (HPV-) cervical cancers. A trajectory analysis indicated γδT cells clustered into differential clusters with the pseudotime. High-dimensional Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (hdWGCNA) identified the key γδT cell-related gene modules. Bulk RNA-seq analysis also demonstrated the heterogeneity of immune cells, and the γδT-score was positively associated with inflammatory response and negatively associated with MYC stemness. Eight γδT cell-related hub genes (GTRGs), including ITGAE, IKZF3, LSP1, NEDD9, CLEC2D, RBPJ, TRBC2, and OXNAD1, were selected and validated as a prognostic signature for cervical cancer.

CONCLUSION

We identified γδT cell-related prognostic signatures that can be considered independent factors for survival prediction in cervical cancer.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with female breast cancer susceptibility in Chinese population

Breast cancer is a complex disease influenced by both external and internal factors, among which genetic factors play a critical role. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are major contributors to the heritability of breast cancer, and their frequencies vary across ethnic groups. In this study, we aimed to investigate the association between 34 SNPs identified in previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and overall breast cancer risk, as well as breast cancer subtypes, in the Chinese female population. To accomplish this, we conducted an extensive association analysis using the high-throughput Sequenom MassARRAY® platform in a case-control study comprising 1848 breast cancer patients and 709 healthy controls. Our analysis, which utilized the SNPassoc package in R based on chi-squared (χ2) test and genetic model analysis, identified significant associations between breast cancer risk and SNP rs12493607 (TGFBR2, risk allele C, OR = 1.28 [1.11-1.47], P = 0.0005), as well as a less conservatively significant association with rs4784227 (CASC16, risk allele T, OR = 1.24 [1.08-1.42], P = 0.0017) and rs2046210 (ESR1, risk allele A, OR = 1.50 [1.16-1.95], P = 0.0016). Furthermore, our stratified analyses revealed that rs12493607 was significantly associated with invasive carcinoma, estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, progesterone receptor (PR)-positive, HER2-negative, and young (aged younger than 45) breast cancer. SNP rs4784227 and rs3803662 (CASC16) were associated with invasive carcinoma and ER-positive breast cancer, while rs2046210 was linked to ductal carcinoma in situ, ER-negative, PR-negative, HER2-positive, and elder (aged more than 45) breast cancers. SNPs rs10484919 (ESR1) and rs1038304 (CCDC170) showed links to HER2-positive breast cancer, and rs616488 (PEX14) with premenopausal breast cancer. In summary, our study shed light on the relationship between SNPs and breast cancer susceptibility within a vast Chinese cohort, supporting the development of polygenetic risk scores for the Chinese population. These findings provide valuable insights into the genetic basis of breast cancer and have important implications for risk prediction, early detection, and personalized treatment of this disease.

The correlation of leukocyte-specific protein 1 (LSP1) rs3817198(T>C) polymorphism with breast cancer: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies have investigated the correlation of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in leukocyte-specific protein 1 (LSP1) with susceptibility to breast cancer (BC) and have yielded inconsistent conclusions, particularly rs3817198(T > C). Consequently, we performed a meta-analysis to estimate this relationship more comprehensively.

METHODS

Four databases were utilized to locate eligible publications: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. This meta-analysis included 14 studies, including 22 reports of 33194 cases and 36661 controls. The relationship of rs3817198 polymorphism with breast cancer was estimated using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The LSP1 co-expression network was constructed by STRING, and Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed using DAVIDE. Download TCGA breast cancer mRNA-seq data and analyze the relationship between LSP1 expression and breast cancer chemotherapy sensitivity.

RESULTS

The results indicated that rs3817198(T > C) was positively correlated to with breast malignancy (dominant model: OR = 1.11, 95%CI = 1.06-1.17; recessive model: OR = 1.10, 95%CI = 1.04-1.15; heterozygous model: OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.04-1.15; homozygous model: OR = 1.18, 95%CI = 1.09-1.28; additive model: OR = 1.09, 95%CI = 1.05-1.13), among Caucasians and Asians. However, rs3817198(T > C) may reduce the risk of breast carcinoma in Africans. Rs3817198(T > C) might result in breast carcinoma in individuals with BRCA1 and BRCA2 variants and can contribute to estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast carcinoma. The expression of LSP1 was inversely correlated with the IC50 of doxorubicin (P = 8.91e-15, Cor = -0.23), 5-fluorouracil (P = 1.18e-22, Cor = -0.29), and cisplatin (P = 1.35e-42, Cor = -0.40).

CONCLUSION

Our study identified that LSP1 rs3817198 polymorphism might result in breast malignancy, particularly among Caucasians and Asians, but lower breast cancer susceptibility in African populations. The expression of LSP1 was negatively correlated with the IC50 of doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, and cisplatin.

Association between the rs4784227-CASC16 polymorphism and the risk of breast cancer: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Although several studies have identified an association between the rs4784227-cancer susceptibility candidate gene 16 (CASC16) polymorphism and breast cancer, the results remain inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to assess the relationship between the rs4784227-CASC16 polymorphism and breast cancer risk.

METHODS

Studies were searched in the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochran Library databases until June 10, 2021, to identify all potential literature on rs4784227-CASC16 polymorphism and breast cancer risk association. Fixed-effect or random-effect models were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Subgroup analyses, publication bias, and sensitivity analyses were also conducted.

RESULTS

Seventeen eligible studies involving 34,719 subjects (18,445 cases and 16,274 healthy controls) from 7 articles were included in the current meta-analysis. The pooled ORs regarding the association between the rs4784227-CASC16 polymorphism and breast cancer risk were statistically significant [T vs C: OR = 1.244, 95% CI = 1.202-1.287; TT vs CT + CC: OR = 1.407, 95% CI = 1.296-1.528; CC vs CT + TT: OR = 0.777, 95% CI = 0.745-0.811; TT vs CC: OR = 1.544, 95% CI = 1.419-1.681; CT vs CC: OR = 1.244, 95% CI = 1.189-1.301]. On subgroup analysis, the rs4784227-CASC16 T/C gene has a certain correlation with breast cancer susceptibility in Asian and North American populations, but no significant risk in the Australian population.

CONCLUSION

Our pooled analysis showed a significant association between the rs4784227- (T) allele and breast cancer susceptibility in Asian and North American populations, and intervention with this mutation might be a new therapeutic strategy for breast cancer. However, large-scale and well-designed studies are needed in different populations to further evaluate the role of the rs4784227-CASC16 polymorphism in breast cancer.

O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase and ATP-Binding Cassette Membrane Transporter G2 Promotor Methylation: Can Predict the Response to Chemotherapy in Advanced Breast Cancer?

Background

ATP-binding cassette membrane transporter G2 (ABCG2) gene is one of transporter family and well characterized for their association with chemoresistance. Promoter methylation is a mechanism for regulation of gene expression. O6-Methyl guanine DNA methyl transferase (MGMT) gene plays a fundamental role in DNA repair. MGMT has the ability to remove alkyl adducts from DNA at the O6 position of guanine. Alkylating agents exert their function through adding these alkyls adducts to DNA leading to cell death unless it is repaired by MGMT. MGMT promoter was found to be methylated in several malignancies. The aim of the present work is to study the relation of MGMT and ABCG2 promoter methylation status in advanced breast cancer patients to response to cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin (AC) based therapeutic regime.

Methods

This retrospective study included Forty-two female patients with advanced breast cancer assessed before receiving chemotherapy and after the completion of regimens. They were grouped into responders and non-responders according to RECIST criteria. Methylation analysis of MGMT and ABCG2 genes were performed on breast cancer tissues.

Results

MGMT promoter was methylated in 40.5% of the cases. ABCG2 promoter was methylated in 14.3% of cases. There was no statistically significant association between MGMT and ABCG2 promoter methylation status and clinicopathological parameters. There was statistically significant association between methylation status of both promoters and response to AC when followed by Taxane.

Conclusion

Methylation of MGMT and ABCG2 promoters combined could be a potential predictive factor for response to cyclophosphamide-doxorubicin based therapeutic regime.

Gene-Gene Interaction Study Between Genetic Polymorphisms of Folate Metabolism and MTR SNPs on Prognostic Features Impact for Breast Cancer

Background

Breast Cancer (BC), the second leading cause of cancer mortality after lung cancer and varied across the world due to genetic and environmental factors. In this study, we evaluated the interaction between the polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes of folate metabolism: methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), methionine synthesis reductase (MTR) with the BC prognostic factors.

Methods

This study was conducted on 160 Egyptian subjects, 60 controls and 100 cases. Sequencing, RFLP analysis in addition to statistical analysis including Chi-squared test, haplotype analysis was used to evaluate associations with BC risk and its clinicopathological parameters. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using unconditional logistic regression.

Results

Strong significant association with breast cancer risk was observed for the haplotype (T-C-G) of MTHFR C677T/ MTHFR A1289C and MTRA2576G and hormonal receptor expression (ER-/PR-/HER2+), bigger and advanced tumor and metastatic lymph nodes. However, no significant difference was observed for age.

Conclusion

The combination of SNPs from MTHFR and MTR genes has a more synergistically genetic effect on BC disease progression. These SNPs could be used as tumor aggressiveness markers among Egyptian females with BC and could help in saving money and time.

The Impacts of Prepared Plasma-Activated Medium (PAM) Combined with Doxorubicin on the Viability of MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells: A New Cancer Treatment Strategy

BACKGROUND

For many years, the chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX) has been used to treat various cancers; however, DOX initiates several critical adverse effects. Many studies have reported that non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma can provide novel, but challenging, treatment strategies for cancer patients. To date, tissues and cells have been treated with plasma-activated medium (PAM) as a practical therapy. Consequently, due to the harmful adverse effects of DOX, we were motivated to elucidate the impact of PAM in the presence of DOX on MCF-7 cell proliferation.

METHODS

MTT assay, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) assay, and flow cytometry analysis were utilized in this research.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that 0.45 µM DOX combined with 3-min PAM significantly induced apoptosis (p< 0.01) through intracellular ROS generation in MCF-7 when compared with 0.45 µM DOX alone or 3-min PAM alone. In contrast, after treatment with 0.45 µM DOX plus 4-min PAM, cell necrosis was increased. Hence, DOX combined with 4-min PAM has cytotoxic effects with different mechanisms than 4-min PAM alone, in which the number of apoptotic cells increases.

CONCLUSION

Although further investigations are crucial, low doses of DOX plus 3-min PAM could be a promising strategy for cancer therapy. The findings from this research may offer advantageous and innovative clinical strategies for cancer therapy using PAM.