Integrated DNA Repair Capacity and NER Gene Expression for Improving Risk Prediction in Head and Neck Squamous Cell...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• DNA repair is crucial for preventing cancers linked to smoking.
• Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a significant health concern, particularly in certain populations.
• Understanding genetic factors influencing cancer risk is key for prevention and early detection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between DNA repair capacity (DRC) and nucleotide excision repair (NER) mRNA expression with HNSCC risk.
• To evaluate the potential of DRC and NER biomarkers for HNSCC risk assessment in the Chinese population.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted with 349 HNSCC patients and 316 cancer-free controls.
• DNA repair capacity (DRC) and NER mRNA expression levels were measured in lymphoblastoid cells exposed to benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide (BPDE).
• Statistical analyses were performed to assess correlations and associations with HNSCC risk.

Main Results:

• Mean DRC was significantly lower in HNSCC patients compared to controls (P < 0.001).
• Lower DRC was associated with a significantly increased risk of HNSCC (OR = 2.23, P < 0.001).
• DRC showed significant correlations with XPA and XPB mRNA expression, and combining these biomarkers improved HNSCC risk prediction (AUC, P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Suboptimal DNA repair capacity and reduced expression of NER genes (XPA, XPB) are associated with elevated HNSCC risk.
• Integrating DRC and NER biomarkers offers a promising approach for improved HNSCC risk assessment.
• These findings highlight the role of DNA repair mechanisms in HNSCC development and provide potential biomarkers for risk stratification.