Mutation of DNA polymerase beta in esophageal carcinoma of different regions

To observe the variation of DNA polymerase beta (polbeta) in esophageal carcinoma.

Thirty specimens containing adjacent normal epithelial tissues were collected from patients in Linzhou region (a high risk area for esophageal squamous carcinoma) and 25 specimens were from a non-high risk area. Total RNA was extracted from the samples and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed. PCR products were cloned and sequenced to investigate the polbeta gene with DNASIS and OMIGA. Statistical significance was evaluated using the chi(2) test.

High-incidence area group: polbeta gene variation was detected in 13 of 30 esophageal carcinoma tissue specimens, and only one variation was found in 30 corresponding adjacent normal tissue specimens. Non high-incidence area group: polbeta gene variation was detected in 5 of 25 esophageal carcinoma tissue specimens, and no variation was found in 25 corresponding adjacent normal tissue specimens. The incidence of polbeta gene variation observed in the high-incidence area group was significantly higher than in the non-high incidence area group. Two mutation hot spots (454-466 and 648-670 nt) and a 58 bp deletion (177-234 nt) were found.

Variations of polbeta perform different functions between the high-incidence areas and the other areas, and may play a more important role in the high-incidence areas.