Abstract
Background: Genetic polymorphisms in the 3′ untranslated regions (3′ UTRs) targeted by miRNAs alter the strength of miRNA binding in a manner that affects the behaviour of individual miRNAs. An insertion (Ins)/deletion (Del) polymorphism (rs3783553) in the 3′ UTR of IL-1α may disrupt a binding site for miRNA-122. IL-1α plays an important role in inflammation, immunity and defense against infection. Thus, we hypothesised that the rs3783553 polymorphism affects individual susceptibility to human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Methods: We genotyped the rs3783553 polymorphism; and determined HPV16 L1 serology, tumour HPV16 DNA and serum IL-1α expression. Univariate/multivariable logistic regression models were used to calculate associations. Results: We found that HPV16 L1 seropositivity alone was associated with an increased risk of OSCC (Odds ratio (OR), 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.1-4.6), and the risk of HPV16-associated OSCC was modified by the rs3783553 polymorphism. Patients with both HPV16 L1 seropositivity and Del/Del genotype for the rs3783553 had the highest risk of OSCC when using patients with HPV16 L1 seronegativity and Ins/Del + Ins/Ins genotypes as a comparison group. Notably, that effect modification was particularly pronounced in several subgroups (e.g. SCCOP, never-smokers and never-drinkers). The patients with Del/Del genotype were approximately 3.0 times more likely to have HPV16-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (SCCOP) tumours compared to those patients with Ins/Del + Ins/Ins genotypes. Additionally, functional relevance of this variant was characterised to explore the genotype-phenotype correlation. Conclusion: These results suggest that IL-1α 3′ UTR rs3783553 polymorphism may be functional and influence susceptibility to HPV16-associated OSCC, particularly for SCCOP. Validation of our findings is warranted.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1415-1423 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | European Journal of Cancer |
Volume | 51 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2015 |
Keywords
- Biomarker
- Cancer risk
- HPV
- IL-1α variant
- Oral cancer
- SCCOP
- miRNA
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oncology
- Cancer Research
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- Clinical Trials Office