Novel Contribution of Long Non-coding RNA MEG3 Genotype to Prediction of Childhood Leukemia Risk

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is frequent among children. Few studies have researched the relationship between maternally expressed gene 3 (MEG3) and cancer risk. We hypothesized long non-coding RNA MEG3 polymorphisms might influence the risk of childhood ALL.

In a total of 266 patients with childhood ALL and 266 healthy controls, genotypes of MEG3 rs7158663, rs3087918, rs11160608 and rs4081134 single nucleotide polymorphisms were investigated for their associations with childhood ALL.

MEG3 rs7158663 AG and AA genotypes were significantly associated with ALL [odds ratio=1.61 (95% confidence interval=1.12-2.31) and 2.21 (1.16-4.22), respectively]. The A allele also exhibited a statistical association with higher risk of ALL (p=0.0015). There was no positive association as for rs3087918, rs11160608 or rs4081134. Interestingly, a significant interaction between MEG3 rs7158663 and age (≥3.5 years) and gender (male) was found.

MEG3 rs7158663 AG/AA genotypes were associated with higher susceptibility to childhood ALL. These novel findings should be validated in larger populations and different ethnicities.