SNPs in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein gene associated with sporadic non-functioning pituitary...

Mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-interacting protein (AIP) gene have previously been associated with a predisposition to pituitary adenomas. However, to the best of our knowledge, mutations in AIP that relate specifically to sporadic non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) have yet to be reported. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the AIP gene that may be associated with NFPAs. Peripheral blood samples and the entire coding sequence of the AIP gene from 56 patients with NFPAs and 56 controls were analyzed in triplicate. Of the 56 patients with NFPAs, 9 patients (16.1%) were identified as harboring five different SNPs, although no germline mutations in the AIP gene were detected in any of the patients. Three different SNPs (7051C>T, 8012G>C and 8020G>C) were identified in exons 4 and 6 in 3 different patients (each in 1 patient). Two different SNPs (7318C>A and 7886A>G) were identified in exons 5 and 6, respectively, in 6 different patients (each in 3 patients). No SNPs or germline mutations in the AIP gene were identified in the controls. The results of the present study suggested that mutations in the AIP gene might not have an important role in the tumorigenesis of NFPAs. However, further studies are required in order to investigate potential molecular and genetic mechanisms that may underlie the involvement of AIP in NFPA.