A functional polymorphism in the pre-miR-146a gene is associated with risk and prognosis in adult glioma

J Neurooncol. 2011 Dec;105(3):639-46. doi: 10.1007/s11060-011-0634-1. Epub 2011 Jul 9.

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that function as post-transcriptional regulators of tumor suppressors and oncogenes. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNAs may contribute to carcinogenesis by altering expression of miRNAs and their targets. A G>C polymorphism (rs2910164) in the miR-146a precursor sequence leads to a functional change associated with the risk for numerous malignancies. A role for this SNP in glioma pathogenesis has not yet been examined. We investigated whether rs2910164 genotypes influence glioma risk and prognosis in a multi-center case-control study comprised of 593 Caucasian glioma cases and 614 community-based controls. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for rs2910164 genotypes according to case status. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to estimate hazards ratios (HR) and 95% CIs according to genotype among glioblastomas, the most lethal glioma subtype. An increased glioma risk was observed among rs2910164 minor allele (C) carriers (per allele OR (95% CI) = 1.22 (1.01-1.46, p (trend) = 0.039)). The association was stronger among older subjects carrying at least one copy of the C allele (OR (95% CI) = 1.38 (1.04-1.83, P = 0.026). Mortality was increased among minor allele carriers (HR (95% CI) = 1.33 (1.03-1.72, P = 0.029)), with the association largely restricted to females (HR (95% CI) = 2.02 (1.28-3.17, P = 0.002)). We provide novel data suggesting rs2910164 genotype may contribute to glioma susceptibility and outcome. Future studies are warranted to replicate these findings and characterize mechanisms underlying these associations.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brain Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Brain Neoplasms / mortality*
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Genotype
  • Glioma / genetics*
  • Glioma / mortality*
  • Humans
  • Kaplan-Meier Estimate
  • Male
  • MicroRNAs / genetics*
  • Middle Aged
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Prognosis
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Risk Factors
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • MIRN146 microRNA, human
  • MicroRNAs