Association of long non-coding RNA MEG3 polymorphisms with oral squamous cell carcinoma risk

Objective: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MEG3 was associated with multiple types of cancers such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) might affect cancer risk by modifying the function of lncRNAs. But fewer study researched the relationship between SNPs and MEG3 in cancers. Considering these reasons, we supposed SNPs in MEG3 may influence the risk of OSCC.

Material and methods: The selected SNPs in MEG3 were genotyped in 1,428 subjects (444 patients with OSCC and 984 cancer-free controls). The relationship between SNPs in MEG3 and OSCC risk was calculated by logistic regression analysis. The function of the SNPs was explored by luciferase activity assay.

Results: A statistically significant increased risk was observed between rs11160608 and OSCC (Dominant model: adjusted OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.06-1.76, p = 0.017). Moreover, the effect of rs11160608 CC genotype with OSCC risk was much strong in drinkers than non-drinkers (adjusted OR = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.17-2.73, p = 0.007). Furthermore, the luciferase activity of rs11160608 A allele was lower than rs11160608 C allele by luciferase reporter assay.

Conclusion: Our study confirmed that the SNP rs11160608 in MEG3 might play an important role in OSCC by interring the binding of miRNA.