Variants in the neuropeptide gene NUCB2 as a possible biomarker for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Recent evidence suggests a potential role for the neuropeptide nesfatin-1, encoded by the NUCB2 gene, in cancer development. This study aimed to analyze the association between the rs1330 and rs757081 variants of NUCB2 and CRC in a Mexican population. A total of 780 individuals were included in a cross-sectional study: 397 patients with CRC and 383 healthy controls. The CT and TT genotypes of rs1330 were significantly associated with CRC (odds ratio [OR] = 0.6127, P = 0.0029; OR = 2.6574, P = 0.000, respectively), as were the CG and GG genotypes of rs707581 (OR = 0.6825, P = 0.019; OR = 2.6975, P = 0.000, respectively). Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was not met for either variant (P = 0.000). Haplotype analysis indicated that the T/G haplotype conferred increased risk, while C/C had a protective effect. These findings support a potential role for NUCB2 variants as biomarkers for CRC susceptibility in the Mexican population.