Genetic polymorphisms in cell cycle regulatory genes MDM2 and TP53 are associated with susceptibility to lung cancer

Xuemei Zhang1, Xiaoping Miao, Yongli Guo

  • 1Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.

Human Mutation
|November 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Genetic variations in MDM2 and TP53 genes increase lung cancer risk, especially in smokers with specific genotypes. These findings highlight the role of cell cycle regulatory genes in cancer development.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The tumor suppressor TP53 pathway is vital for preventing cancer by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
  • MDM2 acts as a key negative regulator of the TP53 pathway and is often overexpressed in cancers.
  • Genetic variations in MDM2 and TP53 may influence individual susceptibility to lung cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between genetic variations in the MDM2 promoter and TP53 coding regions and the risk of developing lung cancer.
  • To explore potential gene-gene interactions between MDM2 and TP53 polymorphisms and their combined effect on lung cancer risk.
  • To examine the interaction between these genetic polymorphisms, smoking, and lung cancer risk.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping of MDM2 (c.-5+309G>T) and TP53 (c.215G>C, Arg72Pro) polymorphisms using tetra-primer ARMS-PCR or PCR-RFLP.
  • Analysis of genotype data from 1,106 lung cancer patients and 1,420 controls.
  • Logistic regression analysis to estimate odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) for lung cancer risk, including gene-gene and gene-environment interactions.

Main Results:

  • Increased lung cancer risk was associated with MDM2 GG (OR=1.83) and TG (OR=1.33) genotypes.
  • The TP53 Pro/Pro genotype was linked to a higher risk of lung cancer (OR=1.47) compared to Arg/Arg.
  • A supermultiplicative increase in lung cancer risk was observed with the combined MDM2 GG and TP53 Pro/Pro genotypes (OR=4.56).
  • Significant interactions were found between these polymorphisms and smoking, with the highest risk observed in smokers carrying both MDM2 GG and TP53 Pro/Pro genotypes (OR=10.41).

Conclusions:

  • Genetic polymorphisms in MDM2 and TP53 contribute to lung cancer susceptibility.
  • The combined effect of specific MDM2 and TP53 genotypes significantly elevates lung cancer risk.
  • Interactions between these genetic factors and smoking represent a critical determinant of lung cancer development.

Related Concept Videos

Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes01:05

Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes

Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase01:11

Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase

Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...
Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions01:12

Loss of Tumor Suppressor Gene Functions

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
When the tumor suppressor genes develop mutations or are lost, cells start growing out of control, leading to cancer. However, a single functional copy of the tumor suppressor gene is enough for the cells to maintain their normal functions and cell...
DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle02:36

DNA Damage can Stall the Cell Cycle

In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...
DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle02:36

DNA Damage Can Stall the Cell Cycle

In response to DNA damage, cells can pause the cell cycle to assess and repair the breaks. However, the cell must check the DNA at certain critical stages during the cell cycle. If the cell cycle pauses before DNA replication, the cells will contain twice the amount of DNA. On the other hand, if cells arrest after DNA replication but before mitosis, they will contain four times the normal amount of DNA. With a host of specialized proteins at their disposal,cells must use the right protein at...