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Published on: August 15, 2019
[Functional Bax polymorphism associated with lung cancer susceptibility]
Dian-ke Yu1, Yong-li Guo, Wen Tan
1Departments of Etiology, Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
The Bax G(-248)A polymorphism, influencing apoptosis, is linked to reduced lung cancer risk in the Chinese population. This genetic variation shows higher activity and interacts with smoking habits in light smokers.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) is crucial for apoptosis.
- Genetic variations in Bax may influence cancer susceptibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To revalidate the functional significance of the Bax G(-248)A polymorphism.
- To investigate the association between Bax G(-248)A polymorphism and lung cancer risk in a Chinese population.
Main Methods:
- Luciferase assays were used to assess the biological function of the Bax G(-248)A polymorphism.
- A case-control study involving 989 lung cancer patients and 990 controls was conducted to determine lung cancer risk association.
Main Results:
- The Bax -248A allele demonstrated significantly higher transcriptional activity than the G allele.
- Carriers of the Bax -248A allele had a significantly decreased risk of lung cancer (OR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.48–0.90, P = 0.01).
- A significant gene-smoking interaction was observed between the Bax G(-248)A polymorphism and smoking, particularly in light smokers.
Conclusions:
- The Bax G(-248)A polymorphism is associated with lung cancer susceptibility in the Chinese population.
- This polymorphism may play a role in modulating lung cancer risk, potentially influenced by smoking habits.
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