AOS6 Association of alpha B-crystallin genotypes with oral cancer susceptibility, survival, and recurrence in Taiwan

Abstract

<h3>Background</h3> Alpha B-crystallin (CRYAB) is a protein that functions as a molecular chaperone in preserving the intracellular architecture and cell membrane, and is highly antiapoptotic. Abnormal CRYAB expression is prognostic for oral cancer, but its genomic variations and the association with carcinogenesis have never been studied. Therefore, we hypothesised that CRYAB single nucleotide polymorphisms might be associated with risk of oral cancer and investigated the association of CRYAB A-1215G (rs2228387), C-802G (rs14133), and intron2 (rs2070894) polymorphisms with oral cancer in a Taiwanese population. <h3>Methods</h3> In this hospital-based study, 496 patients with oral cancer and 992 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls were genotyped and analysed. <h3>Findings</h3> A significantly different frequency distribution of CRYAB C-802G genotypes, but not A-1215G and intron2 genotypes, was noted between the oral cancer and control groups. The CRYAB C-802G G allele conferred an increased risk of oral cancer (<i>p</i>=1.4961025). Patients with CG/GG at CRYAB C-802G had lower 5-year survival and higher recurrence rates than did those with CC (<i>p</i><0.05). <h3>Interpretation</h3> Our results provide the first evidence that the G allele of CRYAB C-802G is associated with risk of oral cancer and this polymorphism might be a useful marker for oral cancer recurrence and survival prediction. The authors declared no conflicts of interest.