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The Causal Relationship between Telomere Length and Cancer Risk: A Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization
Su Hyun Lee1,2,3, Dae Sub Song4, Un Chong Kim5
1Department of Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, South Korea.
Summary
Longer telomere length (TL) is linked to increased cancer risk in East Asian populations. Genetically determined longer TL may contribute to the development of various cancers, including thyroid and lung cancer.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Telomere length (TL) shortens with age and is linked to chronic diseases.
- The causal relationship between TL and cancer risk is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal impact of TL on cancer risk using Mendelian randomization (MR).
Main Methods:
- Utilized genome-wide association studies from East Asian populations.
- Performed a two-sample MR analysis using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with TL as instrumental variables.
Main Results:
- Longer TL was associated with a higher risk of site-specific cancers, notably thyroid and lung cancer.
- Specific associations were found with lung adenocarcinoma and lung squamous cell carcinoma after outlier removal.
Conclusions:
- Genetically determined longer TL increases the risk of various cancers in East Asian populations.
- Findings suggest TL is a contributing factor to cancer development.
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