Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 28, 2026

CRISPR Gene Editing Tool for MicroRNA Cluster Network Analysis
10:40

CRISPR Gene Editing Tool for MicroRNA Cluster Network Analysis

Published on: April 25, 2022

2.5K

Association between risk of oral precancer and genetic variations in microRNA and related processing genes

Roshni Roy, Navonil De Sarkar, Sandip Ghose

  • 1Human Genetics Unit, Indian Statistical Institute, 203, B,T, Road, Kolkata 700108, India. broy@isical.ac.in.

Journal of Biomedical Science
|June 3, 2014
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Genetic variations in microRNAs (miRNAs) and their processing genes influence precancer risk. Specific miRNA polymorphisms, like Gemin3 and mir-34b, were found to reduce leukoplakia risk, particularly in smokers.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Molecular Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their role in cancer development.
  • Research on miRNA involvement in precancerous conditions, such as leukoplakia, remains limited.
  • This study investigates the association between genetic variations in miRNAs and their processing genes with leukoplakia risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of sequence variations in eight miRNA genes and four miRNA processing genes on the risk of developing leukoplakia.
  • To explore potential gene-environment interactions, specifically in relation to smoking and chewing habits.
  • To investigate the correlation between genetic polymorphisms and gene expression levels.

Main Methods:

  • Genotyping of 452 healthy controls and 299 leukoplakia patients using TaqMan assays.
  • Statistical analyses, including logistic regression and the MDR-pt program for gene-environment interactions.
  • Real-Time PCR assays to assess gene expression, with validation using Genevar and 1000 Genome databases.

Main Results:

  • Variant genotypes in Gemin3 and mir-34b were associated with a reduced risk of leukoplakia (OR=0.5 and OR=0.7, respectively).
  • These protective effects were also observed in smokers.
  • In chewers, mir29a polymorphism significantly increased disease risk (OR=1.8), while gene-environment interactions involving mir29a, mir34b, mir423, and Xpo5 modulated risk.
  • No significant association was found between polymorphisms and gene expression levels in the studied datasets.

Conclusions:

  • Sequence variations in microRNAs and their processing genes can modulate the risk of precancer.
  • Further research is required to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying these genetic influences on disease progression.
  • Understanding these genetic factors may offer insights into early detection and prevention strategies for leukoplakia.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Unlocking the Mysteries of Oral Potential Malignancies05:42

Author Spotlight: Unlocking the Mysteries of Oral Potential Malignancies

Published on: August 11, 2023

1.8K
miRNA Expression Analyses in Prostate Cancer Clinical Tissues11:29

miRNA Expression Analyses in Prostate Cancer Clinical Tissues

Published on: September 8, 2015

10.3K

Related Concept Videos

MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns (non-coding regions of a gene) or intergenic regions (stretches of DNA present between genes). Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself, forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After the pre-miRNA...
3.0K
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

MicroRNA (miRNA) are short, regulatory RNA transcribed from introns—non-coding regions of a gene—or intergenic regions—stretches of DNA present between genes. Several processing steps are required to form biologically active, mature miRNA. The initial transcript, called primary miRNA (pri-mRNA), base-pairs with itself forming a stem-loop structure. Within the nucleus, an endonuclease enzyme, called Drosha, shortens the stem-loop structure into hairpin-shaped pre-miRNA. After...
21.0K
MicroRNAs01:22

MicroRNAs

9.8K
Cancer Prevention02:59

Cancer Prevention

Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
6.5K
Mismatch Repair01:20

Mismatch Repair

Organisms are capable of detecting and fixing nucleotide mismatches that occur during DNA replication. This sophisticated process requires identifying the new strand and replacing the erroneous bases with correct nucleotides. Mismatch repair is coordinated by many proteins in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.
The Mutator Protein Family Plays a Key Role in DNA Mismatch Repair
The human genome has more than 3 billion base pairs of DNA per cell. Prior to cell division, that vast amount of genetic...
5.4K
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells01:06

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different cell types. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are terminally differentiated; however, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they dedifferentiate and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Somatic...
4.8K