Functional relevance of MMP2 promoter variants in gallbladder cancer: A case-control study in an Eastern Indian Population

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is a prevalent and deadly form of bile duct cancer, associated with poor prognosis. This study aimed to investigate the genetic factors contributing to the high incidence of GBC in certain geographical regions, particularly in the Northern and Eastern parts of India. The present case-control study focused on MMP2, a gene involved in tumor progression and metastasis, as a potential candidate in GBC pathogenesis. We scanned MMP2 promoter for twelve SNPs using Sanger's sequencing and carried out a case-control study in 300 cases and 300 control samples. We found five rare variants (rs1961998763, rs1961996235, rs1391392808, rs1488656253, and rs17859816) and one nonpolymorphic SNP (rs17859817). Our results revealed a significant association between GBC and MMP2 promoter SNPs, rs243865 (Allelic-Padjusted = 0.0353) and g.55477735G > A (Allelic-Padjusted = 9.22E-05). Moreover, the haplotype "C-C-A-C-C" exhibited a significant association with GBC (P = 4.23E-05). Genotype-phenotype correlation for variant rs243865, in the GBC patient tissue samples, established that 'T' risk allele carriers had higher expression levels of MMP2. Additionally, luciferase reporter assay in HEK293T cells revealed the probable regulatory role of rs243865 variant allele 'T' in MMP2 expression. Our study uncovers the association of MMP2 promoter SNPs with GBC and their role in regulating its expression.

Spectrum of PAH gene mutations and genotype-phenotype correlation in patients with phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency from Shanxi province

BACKGROUND

Phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency (PAHD) is an autosomal recessive inborn error that affects phenylalanine (Phe) metabolism. It has a complex phenotype with many variants and genotypes among different populations. Shanxi province is a high-prevalence area of PAHD in China.

METHODS

In this study, eighty-nine PAHD patients were subjected to genetic testing using Sanger sequencing, followed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis (MLPA). Allelic and genotypic phenotype values (APV and GPV, respectively) were used for genotype-based phenotypic prediction.

RESULTS

Fifty-one types of variants, including three novel forms, were identified. The predominant variant was p.R243Q (22.09%), followed by p.R53H (10.47%), p.EX6-96A > G (9.30%), p.V399V (5.23%) and p.R413P (3.49%). Notably, mild hyperphenylalaninemia (MHP) has a high prevalence in this region (up to 45.76%), and the variant p.R53H was solely observed in patients of MHP. According to the genotype-phenotype prediction, the APV/GPV system was well correlated with the metabolic phenotype of most PAHD patients.

CONCLUSION

We have systematically constructed the mutational and phenotypic spectrum of PAH in Shanxi province. Hence, this study will help to further understand the genotype-phenotype associations in PAHD patients, and it may offer more reliable genetic counseling and management.