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Alterations in mtDNA: a qualitative and quantitative study associated with cervical cancer development
A Warowicka1, A Kwasniewska, A Gozdzicka-Jozefiak
1Department of Molecular Virology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 89, 61-614 Poznan, Poland. alicja@amu.edu.pl
Gynecologic Oncology
|January 16, 2013
Summary
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) alterations, including mutations and copy number changes, are linked to cervical cancer development. High mtDNA copy numbers with specific deletions in low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions may increase susceptibility to HPV infection and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) cause cervical cancer, but other factors are involved.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) plays a role in cellular processes and cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze mtDNA D-loop mutations and a specific 4.997 bp deletion in cervical cancer.
- To investigate the relationship between mtDNA copy number, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) expression.
Main Methods:
- Studied postoperative tissues from patients with L-SIL, H-SIL, and squamous cell cervical carcinomas.
- Used quantitative real-time PCR for mtDNA copy number and MnSOD mRNA levels.
- Employed PCR amplification and DNA sequencing to identify HPV DNA and mtDNA mutations.
Main Results:
- Identified 62 point mutations in the mtDNA D-loop region.
- Observed increased mtDNA copy number in cervical cancer tissues compared to controls.
- Found a 4.997 bp deletion in approximately 70% of L-SIL cases and increased ROS generation.
Conclusions:
- Qualitative (mutations) and quantitative (copy number) mtDNA alterations correlate with cervical cancer.
- Elevated mtDNA copy number with a 4.997 bp deletion in L-SIL may indicate susceptibility to HPV infection and cervical cancer progression.
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