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Merging Absolute and Relative Quantitative PCR Data to Quantify STAT3 Splice Variant Transcripts
Published on: October 9, 2016
Association between STAT3 polymorphisms and cancer risk: a meta-analysis
Ruicheng Yan1, Fusheng Lin2, Chao Hu3
1Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, People's Republic of China. hunteryrc@163.com.
This meta-analysis found that STAT3 gene polymorphisms rs12949918 and rs744166 are associated with a decreased risk of cancer. These specific genetic variations may act as protective factors against cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) gene plays a crucial role in cellular processes.
- Genetic variations within the STAT3 gene have been investigated for their potential link to cancer susceptibility.
- Previous studies on five specific STAT3 polymorphisms (rs2293152, rs4796793, rs12949918, rs6503695, rs744166) yielded inconclusive results regarding cancer risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis investigating the association between five STAT3 gene polymorphisms and cancer risk.
- To clarify the role of these polymorphisms as potential biomarkers for cancer susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was performed across major databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Wanfang, VIP, CNKI) for case-control studies published up to March 2015.
- Statistical analysis involved calculating odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using fixed- or random-effect models.
- A total of 15 eligible articles were included in the meta-analysis.
Main Results:
- The STAT3 rs12949918 polymorphism showed a significantly decreased cancer risk across multiple genetic models (dominant, recessive, TC vs. TT, CC vs. TT).
- The STAT3 rs744166 polymorphism also demonstrated a significantly decreased cancer risk, particularly in the recessive model and GG vs. AA comparison.
- No significant association was found for STAT3 polymorphisms rs2293152, rs4796793, and rs6503695 with cancer risk under any genetic model.
- Subgroup analysis by ethnicity indicated consistent protective effects for rs12949918 in Caucasians and Asians, while rs2293152 showed an association in Asians.
Conclusions:
- STAT3 gene polymorphisms rs12949918 and rs744166 are significantly associated with a reduced risk of cancer.
- These specific polymorphisms may serve as important protective factors against cancer development.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying the protective role of these STAT3 variants.
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