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The Role of lncRNA Polymorphisms in Digestive System Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Krisztina Varajti1, Szimonetta Lohner1,2, László Czina1,2
1Department of Public Health Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary.
Cancers
|June 26, 2026
Summary
This study investigated long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and their association with gastrointestinal cancer risk. H19 rs3024270 was linked to hepatocellular carcinoma, while other lncRNA SNPs showed associations with colorectal and gastric cancers.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers pose a significant global health burden.
- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a role in gene regulation and carcinogenesis.
- Previous studies on lncRNA polymorphisms and GI cancer risk have yielded inconsistent results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically evaluate the association between lncRNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to GI cancers.
- To synthesize evidence from existing case-control studies through meta-analysis.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major scientific databases.
- Eligible studies were case-control or cross-sectional, focusing on lncRNA SNPs and GI cancer risk.
- Meta-analysis was performed on variants supported by at least three independent studies, using various genetic models.
Main Results:
- H19 rs3024270 showed a significant association with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk in Chinese populations.
- Exploratory analyses revealed associations for MEG3 rs7158663 with colorectal cancer and PRNCR1 rs16901946 and GAS5 rs145204276 with gastric cancer.
- Some SNPs, like GAS5 rs145204276 in colorectal cancer, showed heterogeneous or unstable pooled estimates, necessitating cautious interpretation.
Conclusions:
- H19 rs3024270 is a potential genetic marker for HCC susceptibility.
- MEG3 rs7158663, PRNCR1 rs16901946, and GAS5 rs145204276 are identified as candidate variants for GI cancer risk.
- Study limitations include heterogeneity, potential publication bias, and the need for further research on population-specific effects.
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