SET and MYND Domain-Containing Protein 3 (SMYD3) Polymorphism as a Risk Factor for Susceptibility and Poor Prognosis...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Ovarian cancer remains a significant health challenge.
• Investigating genetic factors influencing ovarian cancer risk and prognosis is crucial.
• SET and MYND domain-containing protein 3 (SMYD3) is implicated in various cancers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the association between SET and MYND domain-containing protein 3 (SMYD3) gene polymorphisms and the risk of ovarian cancer.
• To evaluate the impact of SMYD3 gene polymorphisms on ovarian cancer patient prognosis.
• To correlate SMYD3 gene polymorphisms with SMYD3 mRNA and protein expression levels.

Main Methods:

• Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to analyze variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) polymorphisms in the SMYD3 gene promoter region.
• Quantitative reverse transcription PCR and Western blot assays measured SMYD3 mRNA and protein expression.
• Case-control study included 156 ovarian cancer patients and 174 healthy controls.

Main Results:

• VNTR genotype 3/3 and allele 3 frequencies were significantly higher in ovarian cancer patients compared to controls (P<0.05).
• Genotype 3/3 was associated with poorly differentiated tumors, advanced FIGO stage (III-IV), and higher SMYD3 mRNA/protein expression.
• Patients with VNTR genotype 3/3 exhibited a significantly lower 5-year survival rate and it was identified as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

• The VNTR genotype 3/3 of the SMYD3 gene is linked to an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
• SMYD3 VNTR gene polymorphism serves as a potential biomarker for predicting poor prognosis in ovarian cancer patients.
• These findings highlight the role of SMYD3 genetic variations in ovarian cancer development and progression.