Expression and genetic polymorphism of Foxp3 gene and its association to breast cancer susceptibility

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Breast cancer is responsible for more deaths in women than all other types of cancer combined, and it is also responsible for thirty percent of all new cancer diagnoses. FOXP3 is the key transcription factor necessary for the development of regulatory T cells (Treg), and it functions as a selection marker for regulatory T cells. The purpose of this study was to establish a correlation between genetic polymorphism and the degree to which breast cancer genes are expressed in the patients who participated in the study. Materials and Methods: This study included 40 breast cancer patients who had been histologically and clinically verified to have the disease, as well as 40 healthy subjects. Blood drawn from each participant was subjected to RNA extraction. The extracted RNA was converted to its cDNA and SNP rs3761547 genotyped. RT-PCR was used to estimate the Foxp3gene expression levels in all samples. Results: The discrepancy between the TT genotype in the control group and the patients (40% vs 12.5%, respectively) was accompanied by a low odd ratio that was statistically significant (Odds=0.21, under p-value = 0.01). Additionally, the TC genotype was more prevalent in the control group (37.5% vs 10%, respectively) than in the patient group, with a significant Odds ratio (Odds=0.19, p-value=0.008). On the other hand, the CC genotype was significantly more common in patients (77.5% vs 22.5%, respectively) than in controls (Odds=11.86). Foxp3 gene expression was significantly greater in patients (7.098) compared to the control (1.375) under level (P-value=0.001). Conclusion: There is a possibility that breast cancer is associated with variants in the SNP rs3761547, which would result in an elevated level of Foxp3 gene expression.