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Meta-analysis of the association between mTORC1-related genes polymorphisms and cancer risk
Xiaoling Lu1, Meitong Liu1, Yuxiao Liao1
1Department of Biological Science and Technology, School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, China.
Background:
mTOR, mLST8 and RAPTOR are the core components of mTORC1, which has been found to be closely related to tumorigenesis. Currently, multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mTOR gene (rs2295080, rs17036508 and rs1034528), mLST8 gene (rs3160 and rs26865) and RPTOR gene (rs1062935, rs3751932, rs3751834, rs12602885) have been extensively studied for their associations with cancer risk. However, the results remained inconclusive and conflicting. Therefore, we here performed a meta-analysis of all available studies to investigate the association between these SNPs and cancer risk.
Methods:
Up to April 2021, 25 related publications were retrieved and included in this meta-analysis. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) calculated by fixed or random effects models were applied to assess the strength of association. Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) was conducted to weaken the random error and enhance the reliability of evidence.
Results:
After Bonferroni correction, it was revealed that rs3160, rs26865, rs1062935, rs3751932, rs3751834 and rs10602885 were not associated with cancer risk. However, rs17036508 and rs1034528 showed significant association with total cancer risk. A significant association was also found between rs2295080 and total cancer risk, and stratified analysis by cancer type suggested that rs2295080 was specifically associated with acute lymphoblastic leukemia risk, prostate cancer risk, and breast cancer risk.
Conclusions:
The present meta-analysis suggested that the rs2295080, rs17036508 and rs1034528 polymorphisms in mTOR gene may be the susceptive factors for cancer development, while the target genetic polymorphisms in mLST8 gene or RPTOR gene may not be associated with cancer risk. However, these findings remain to be confirmed or further reinforced in large and well-designed studies in different ethnic populations.
Insights
Genetic variations in the mTOR gene (rs2295080, rs17036508, rs1034528) are linked to increased cancer risk, particularly for specific cancer types. Polymorphisms in mLST8 and RPTOR genes showed no significant association with cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), composed of mTOR, mLST8, and RAPTOR, is implicated in tumorigenesis.
- Previous studies on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in mTOR, mLST8, and RPTOR genes and their association with cancer risk have yielded inconclusive and conflicting results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis to investigate the association between specific SNPs in mTOR, mLST8, and RPTOR genes and overall cancer risk.
- To clarify the conflicting findings from previous studies regarding the role of these genetic polymorphisms in cancer susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis was performed on 25 retrieved publications up to April 2021.
- Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using fixed or random effects models.
- Trial Sequential Analysis (TSA) was employed to reduce random error and enhance evidence reliability.
Main Results:
- SNPs rs3160, rs26865, rs1062935, rs3751932, rs3751834, and rs12602885 in mLST8 and RPTOR genes were not associated with cancer risk after Bonferroni correction.
- SNPs rs17036508 and rs1034528 in the mTOR gene showed a significant association with total cancer risk.
- SNP rs2295080 in the mTOR gene was significantly associated with total cancer risk and specifically with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, prostate cancer, and breast cancer risks.
Conclusions:
- Polymorphisms rs2295080, rs17036508, and rs1034528 in the mTOR gene may contribute to cancer susceptibility.
- Genetic polymorphisms in the mLST8 and RPTOR genes do not appear to be associated with cancer risk.
- Further large-scale studies across diverse ethnic populations are needed to confirm and strengthen these findings.
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