Common Genetic Variants in the MicroRNA Biogenesis Pathway Are Not Associated with Breast Cancer Risk in Asian Women

Abstract

Although the role of miRNA in cancer development and progression has been well established, the association between genetic variants in miRNA biogenesis pathway genes and breast cancer risk has been yet unclear. We analyzed data from two genome-wide association studies conducted in East Asian women including 5,066 cases and 4,337 controls. Among the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), which were directly genotyped or imputed, we selected 237 SNPs in 32 genes involved in miRNA biogenesis pathway and its regulation. Although eight SNPs were nominally associated with breast cancer risk in combined samples (P < 0.05), none of them were significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. The common genetic variants in miRNA biogenesis pathway genes may not be associated with breast cancer risk. This study suggests no association between the polymorphisms in miRNA biogenesis pathway genes and breast cancer risk. Studies with large sample size and more genetic variants should be warranted to adequately evaluate the potential association.