Clinical significance of LIN28A gene polymorphisms and expression in pan-cancer: a meta-analysis and bioinformatic analysis

Abstract

Several studies have reported the relationship between LIN28A gene polymorphisms (rs3811463 T > C and rs34787247 G > A) and cancer susceptibility, but the results are inconsistent and need further clarification. The current study aimed to evaluate their relationship and also to explore the relationship between LIN28A gene expression and immune infiltration, tumor stage, survival prognosis, and drug sensitivity in pan-cancer. The meta-analysis and data mining were completed by STATA software and the GSCA platform, respectively. The meta-analysis showed that the rs3811463 polymorphism was not associated with cancer susceptibility, while the rs34787247 polymorphism was associated with cancer susceptibility in the Chinese population [AA vs. GG: Odd Ratio (OR)=1.98, 95% Confidence Interval (CI)=1.35–2.89, PZ<0.001; GA vs. GG: OR = 1.17, 95%CI= 1.01–1.36, PZ=0.04; (AA + GA) vs. GG: OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.07–1.43, PZ=0.004; AA vs. (GA + GG): OR = 1.90, 95%CI = 1.30- 2.78, PZ=0.001; A vs. G: OR = 1.27, 95%CI = 1.12–1.44, PZ<0.001]. LIN28A gene expression was associated not only with immune infiltration, pathological stage, and survival prognosis of certain cancers, but also with sensitivity to multiple anticancer drugs, such as cisplatin, pazopanib, olaparib, and selumetinib. In conclusion, the current study suggested that the rs34787247 G > A polymorphism might be used as a cancer risk marker in the Chinese population, and LIN28A might serve as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target for certain cancers.