Genetic Polymorphisms of the TGFB1 Signal Peptide and Promoter Region: Role in Wilms Tumor Susceptibility?

The aim of the present study was to investigate the rs1800468 (G-800A), rs1800469 (C-509T), rs1800470 (C29T), and rs1800471 (G74C) TGFB1 genetic polymorphisms and their haplotype structures in patients with Wilms Tumor (WT) and neoplasia-free controls. The genomic DNA was extracted from 35 WT patients and 160 neoplasia-free children, and the TGFB1 polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism. The haplotype structures were inferred, and permutation and logistic regression tests were performed to check for differences in haplotype distribution between the control and WT individuals. Positive associations were found in the recessive model for rs1800469 T allele (OR: 8.417; 95% CI: 3.177 to 22.297; P < 0.001) and for the rs1800470 C allele (OR: 3.000; 95% CI: 1.296 to 6.944; P = 0.01). Haplotype analysis revealed a significant negative association between GCTG and WT (OR: 0.236, 95% CI: 0.105 to 0.534; P = 0.0002); by contrast, the GTTG haplotype was associated with increased risk for WT (OR: 12.0; 95% CI: 4.202 to 34.270; P < 0.001). Furthermore, rs1800469 was negatively correlated with tumor size and a trend toward a positive correlation for capsular invasion was observed in the dominant model (Tau-b: -0.43, P = 0.02 and tau-b: 0.5, P = 0.06, respectively). This is the first study with rs1800468, rs1800469, rs1800470, and rs1800471 TGFB1 polymorphisms in WT, and our results suggest that the TGFB1 promoter and signal peptide region polymorphisms may be associated with WT susceptibility and clinical presentation.

CCR5 and CXCL12 allelic variants: Possible association with childhood neuroblastoma susceptibility?

Neuroblastoma (NB) is a heterogeneous and particularly malignant childhood neoplasm in its higher stages, prone to form metastasis in selected organs and for which there is still no efficient treatment available beyond surgery. Evidence indicates that chemokines and their receptors present involvement as mediators of neuroinflammation and have a neurophysiological role. In the present study, we aimed to verify if CCR5 (rs333) and CXCL12 (rs1801157) allelic variants were associated with NB. For CCR5 (rs333) D32 carriers (OR: 5.96, IC: 2.21-16.06) and for CXCL12 genotype 3'A/3'A (OR:26.18, IC:6.15-111.4) there were statistically significant differences as well to allelic frequency (OR:4.20, IC: 2.19-8.03). Although no correlation was verified regarding prognostic parameters for both CCR5 and CXCL12 polymorphic variants, these polymorphisms may be associated with NB susceptibility which deserve attention for future investigations.

HER2 Ile655Val polymorphism is negatively associated with breast cancer susceptibility.

BACKGROUND: The HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor-2) Ile655Val (rs1136201) genetic polymorphism can alter the receptor structure and its auto-activation, which can modify the signal transduction and, consequently, the cell cycle regulation. For this reason, this polymorphism has been extensively investigated as a candidate marker for breast cancer (BC). In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the possible influence of HER2 Ile655Val in BC susceptibility and prognostic factors in a Brazilian population. METHODS: Polymorphism genotype was assessed through RFLP-PCR in 107 BC patients with clinicopathological data available and in 150 women with no evidence of neoplasia and with no familial history of BC as control group. Association between this polymorphism and BC susceptibility and clinical parameters was evaluated through odds ratio (OR) and chi-squared or Fisher's exact test, respectively. RESULTS: A significant negative association between valine allele and BC susceptibility in dominant model was found (OR 0.5; 95% CI 0.27-0.93, P = .036). No significant association was found in relation to BC clinicopathological features (tumor size, lymph nodes commitment, histological grade, HER2 overexpression, hormonal receptors, p53, and Ki-67). CONCLUSION: Although this polymorphism did not demonstrate potential as a prognostic marker, it may be a suitable susceptibility marker for BC.

Inulin Induces IL-10 Secretion and Increased FOXP3 Gene Expression in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

ABSTRACT Inulin is an effective prebiotic and its potential in modulating systemic immunity have been proposed. A subpopulation of T cells, named T regulatory cells (Tregs), expressing the Forkhead boxP3 transcription factor are key mediators of peripheral tolerance and suppress undesirable immune responses. These Tregs can be induced by cytokine transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and interleukin 10 (IL-10). This work aimed to evaluate inulin effects on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in vitro. PBMC were incubated with inulin, and the expression of TGF-(1, FOXP3 and IL-10 was analyzed. Increased supernatant IL-10 levels were observed in PBMC of inulin-treated group (p=0.03). Moreover, FOXP3 gene expression was 7.6 fold higher in inulin-treated PBMC, whereas a trend in TGF-β1 expression was detected (p=0.055). These data suggest that inulin induces an immunosuppressive environment in cultured PBMC by promoting FOXP3 gene expression and IL-10 secretion. These studies offer prospects for further fundamental research in this field.

The predictive value of transforming growth factor-ß in Wilms tumor immunopathogenesis.

Wilms tumor is the most common kidney malignancy in children, especially in children aged less than 6 years. Although therapeutic approach has reached successful rates, there is still room for improvement. Considering the tumor microenvironment, cytokines represent important elements of interaction and communication between tumor cells, stroma, and immune cells. In this regard, the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß) family members play significant functions in physiological and pathological conditions, particularly in cancer. By regulating cell growth, death, and immortalization, TGF-ß signaling pathways exert tumor suppressor effects in normal and early tumor cells. Thus, it is not surprising that a high number of human tumors arise due to alterations in genes coding for various TGF-ß signaling components. Understanding the ambiguous role of TGF-ß in human cancer is of paramount importance for the development of new therapeutic strategies to specifically block the metastatic signaling pathway of TGF-ß without affecting its tumor suppressive effect. In this context, this review attempt to summarize the involvement of TGF-ß in Wilms tumor.

Wilms' tumor susceptibility: possible involvement of FOXP3 and CXCL12 genes.

BACKGROUND: Wilms' tumor is an embryonal neoplasm of the kidney that accounts for approximately 6 % of all childhood tumors. The chemokine CXCL12 (C-X-C chemokine ligand 12) and its ligand CXCR4 (C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4) are involved in the development of several organs, including the kidney, and are also associated with tumor growth and metastasis. FOXP3 (forkhead transcription factor 3) was initially described as a marker for regulatory T cells; however, its expression in several types of tumor cells has already been described and may have prognostic significance. The aim of the present study was to analyze rs3761548 and rs2232365 FOXP3 polymorphisms, as well as evaluate rs1801157 CXCL12 polymorphism in Wilms' tumor samples. METHODS: Polymorphisms were evaluated in 32 patients and 78 neoplasia-free controls. Genotypes of rs1801157 were determined using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method, and genotypes of rs2232365 and rs3761548 were determined using allele-specific PCR (AS-PCR). RESULTS: The case-control study indicated a significant association for allele A carriers of rs1801157 polymorphism in relation to Wilms' tumor susceptibility (OR = 5.261; 95 % CI 2.156 to 12.84; p = 0.0002). The opposite was observed in male carriers of G allele for rs2232365 polymorphism (OR 0.1164; 95 % CI 0.0227 to 0.5954; p = 0.0091) or when male and female subjects were analyzed (OR = 0.1304; 95 % CI 0.05013 to 0.3394; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: All in all, these markers may contribute to this neoplasia susceptibility and progression; however, further studies are needed to real clarify their role in Wilms' tumor pathogenesis.

Genetic Polymorphism in the Promoter Region of Serotonin Transporter: Implications for Ethanol Abuse in Children and Adolescents.

OBJECTIVES: To provide a review of published literature regarding genetic polymorphism of serotonin transporter gene, named as 5-HTTLPR, and its potential role as a susceptibility marker for ethanol abuse in childhood and adolescence. METHODS: A literature review of several databases was conducted with the following keywords: 5-HTTLPR, children or adolescents or teenagers, susceptibility, alcohol or ethanol, abuse or misuse. RESULTS: Alcohol interacts with serotonergic synaptic transmission in several ways, and the reduced availability of serotonin transporters might foster brain dysfunction, driving to alcohol abuse. The initial use of ethanol in children and adolescents is determined primarily by environmental influences, whereas the establishment of drinking patterns is strongly controlled by genetic factors. Functional polymorphic variants in the promoter region of the 5-HTTLPR gene have age-dependent effects in alcohol abuse. This polymorphism, mapped to the 5' region of the SLC6A4, is a variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) and involves a direct repeat of 20-23 base pairs GC-rich sequences, comprising a short (S) allele, consisting of 14 repeats, and a long (L) allele, with 16 repeats. Additional variants have been described, although their influences on childhood and adolescence ethanol use are not clear. CONCLUSION: The influence of the 5-HTTLPR allelic variants in children and adolescent misuse of alcohol might be considered for clinical management, preventing long-term behavior problem. Identifying genetic markers associated to the potential alcohol misuse or abuse could be useful in guiding management and formulating effective coping strategies.

OBJECTIFS: Offrir une revue de la littérature publiée sur le polymorphisme génétique du gène transporteur de la sérotonine, nommé 5-HTTLPR, et son rôle potentiel de marqueur de la susceptibilité à l'abus d'éthanol dans l'enfance et l'adolescence. MÉTHODES: Une revue de la littérature dans plusieurs bases de données a été menée à l'aide des mots clés suivants: 5-HTTLPR, enfants ou adolescents ou teenagers, susceptibilité, alcool ou éthanol, abus ou excès. RÉSULTATS: L'alcool interagit de plusieurs façons avec la transmission synaptique sérotoninergique, et la disponibilité réduite des transporteurs de la sérotonine peut favoriser une dysfonction cérébrale, qui mène à l'abus d'alcool. L'utilisation initiale d'éthanol chez les enfants et les adolescents est déterminée principalement par des influences environnementales, alors que l'établissement de modèles de consommation d'alcool est fortement contrôlé par des facteurs génétiques. Les variantes polymorphiques fonctionnelles de la région promotrice du gène 5-HTTLPR ont des effets selon l'âge sur l'abus d'alcool. Ce polymorphisme, localisé à la région 5' de SLC6A4, est un nombre variable de répétitions en tandem (NVRT) et implique une répétition directe de séquences de 20­23 paires de base riches en GC, comprenant un allèle court (C), consistant en 14 répétitions, et un allèle long (L), avec 16 répétitions. Les variantes additionnelles ont été décrites, bien que leurs influences sur l'utilisation d'éthanol dans l'enfance et l'adolescence ne soient pas définies. CONCLUSION: L'influence des variantes alléliques de 5-HTTLPR sur l'excès d'alcool chez les enfants et les adolescents pourrait être considérée pour la prise en charge clinique, et la prévention de problèmes de comportement à long terme, L'identification des marqueurs génétiques associés à l'excès ou l'abus d'alcool potentiel pourrait être utile pour guider la prise en charge et formuler des stratégies d'adaptation efficaces.

Role of CXCL12 and CXCR4 in normal cerebellar development and medulloblastoma.

Chemokines and its receptors have significant impact on physiological and pathological processes and studies concerning their association with tumor biology are subject of great interest in scientific community. CXCL12/CXCR4 axis has been widely studied due to its significant role in tumor microenvironment, but it is also important to development and maintenance of tissues and organs, for example, in the brain and cerebellum. Studies have demonstrated that CXCL12 and CXCR4 are required for normal cerebellar development and that dysfunction in this pathway may be involved with medulloblastoma pathogenesis. In this context, a new molecular subgroup has been suggested based on the importance of the association between CXCR4 overexpression and sonic hedgehog subgroup. Treatment using CXCR4 antagonists showed significant results, evidencing the important role and possible therapeutic capacity of CXCR4 in MB. This review summarizes studies on MB cell biology, focusing on a chemokine-receptor axis, CXCL12/CXCR4, that may have implications for treatment strategies once it can improve life expectancy and reduce neurocognitive sequelae of patients with this neoplasia.

Genetic Polymorphism and Expression of CXCR4 in Breast Cancer.

CXCR4 genetic polymorphisms, as well as their expression level, have been associated with cancer development and prognosis. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of CXCR4 rs2228014 polymorphism on its mRNA and protein expression in breast cancer samples. It was observed that patients presented higher CXCR4 mRNA relative expression (5.7-fold) than normal mammary gland, but this expression was not correlated with patients clinicopathological features (nuclear grade, nodal status, ER status, PR status, p53 staining, Ki67 index, and HER-2 status). Moreover, CXCR4 mRNA relative expression also did not differ regarding the presence or absence of T allele (p = 0.301). In the immunohistochemical assay, no difference was observed for CXCR4 cytoplasmic protein staining in relation to different genotypes (p = 0.757); however, high cytoplasmic CXCR4 staining was verified in invasive breast carcinoma (p < 0.01). All in all, the results from present study indicated that rs2228014 genetic variant does not alter CXCR4 mRNA or protein expression. However, this receptor was more expressed in tumor compared to normal tissue, in both RNA and protein levels, suggesting its promising applicability in the general context of mammary carcinogenesis.

In vivo knockdown of CXCR4 using jetPEI/CXCR4 shRNA nanoparticles inhibits the pulmonary metastatic potential of B16­F10 melanoma cells.

Metastasis is a key factor that limits survival in the majority of patients with cancer. Thus, numerous efforts have been made to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in this phenomenon. B16­F10 melanoma cells have been demonstrated to be highly metastatic to the lungs in mice. The aim of the current study was to investigate the role of CXC motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in the metastatic potential of B16­F10 melanoma cells in mice. In vitro transfection of B16­F10 tumor cells with CXCR4 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expressing plasmids (CXCR4 shRNA) significantly reduced the expression levels of CXCR4 mRNA (80%) and protein (68%), compared with the control. In addition, these results demonstrated that pulmonary metastasis was significantly inhibited (85%) in mice inoculated with CXCR4 shRNA­transfected B16­F10 melanoma cells. The polycation­based nanoparticle (jetPEI) was used to investigate the effect of CXCR4 knockdown in vivo on the metastatic potential of B16­F10 melanoma cells. The number of pulmonary metastatic nodules was significantly reduced (50%) in animals that received a retro­orbital injection of jetPEI­CXCR4­1 shRNA. The current study demonstrated that CXCR4 serves a role in the metastatic potential of B16­F10 melanoma cells. Currently there is a great interest in the development of antagonists for the therapeutic targeting of CXCR4 expression. Taking the results of the current study and the fact that CXCR4 is highly conserved between humans and mice into account, this experimental model of metastasis with B16­F10 melanoma cells may aid in the discovery of CXCR4 antagonists with clinical implications.

Meduloblastoma: aspectos histológicos, moleculares e imunopatológicos / Medulloblastoma: histological, molecular and immunopathological aspects

O meduloblastoma é um tumor cerebelar caracterizado como tumor neuroectodérmico primitivo prevalente em crianças, sendo as do sexo masculinos as mais afetadas. Com relação à classificação histológica,existem cinco variações: clássico, desmoplásico, anaplásico, células gigantes e de extensa nodularidade. Muitos estudos relatam que a patogênese do meduloblastoma está relacionada com mutações em fatores de crescimento do SNC, sendo que as principais vias envolvidas são: Sonic Hedgehog, NOTCH, WNT eOTX. Ainda, com respeito à imunologia, pacientes com meduloblastoma apresentaram alta taxa de IFN-γno soro e células TH17 no sangue periférico, e foi observado que o TGF-β tem sido associado à estimulação mitogênica, o que pode estar relacionado à patogênese da doença. A predominância de uma resposta TH1 relacionada à sobrevivência também foi relatada. O desenvolvimento terapêutico para o meduloblastoma,apesar de limitado, é significativo, uma vez que este vem apresentando melhora na sobrevida de seus pacientes. Entretanto, um maior conhecimento dos mecanismos envolvidos na imunopatogênese é necessário para o desenvolvimento de novos fármacos e formas de tratamento.

Medulloblastoma is a cerebellar tumor classified as primitive neuroectodermal tumor and is prevalent in children, especially male. With regard to histological classification, there are five variations: classical, desmoplastic, anaplastic, large-cell variant and with extensive nodularity. Several studies have reported that medulloblastoma pathogenesis is related to mutations in CNS growth factors, and the main pathways involved are Sonic Hedgehog, NOTCH, WNT, and OTX. Also regarding the immunology, patients with medulloblastoma have a high serum concentration of INF-γ and TH17 cells in peripheral blood, and it was observed that TGF-β has been associated with mitogenic stimulation, and possibly associated to the pathogenesis of this disease. The prevalence of a TH1 response related to the survival was also described. The development of therapies for medulloblastoma treatment, though limited, is significant, as they resultin an improvement in the patient’s survival. However, a better understanding of the mechanism involvedin its immunopathogenesis is still necessary for the development of new drugs and ways of treatment.

STin2 VNTR polymorphism is associated with comorbid tobacco use and mood disorders.

BACKGROUND: There is a significant comorbidity between mood disorders and tobacco use disorder (TUD), which may be related to both genetic and environmental factors. Gene variants of the 5-HT transporter, such as STin2 VNTR (a variable number of tandem repeats in the functional serotonin transporter intron 2) may be associated with mood disorders and TUD. AIMS: This study aimed to delineate the association between the STin2 genetic polymorphism and comorbid TUD and mood disorders, including depression or bipolar disorder. METHODS: We examined the STin2 VNTR polymorphism in never-smokers (n=113); patients with mood disorders without TUD (n=62); patients with TUD without mood disorders (n=90); and patients with both disorders (n=95). RESULTS: We found a significant association between the STin2 genetic polymorphism and the above diagnostic groups whereby the STin2.12 allele shows a positive association with comorbid TUD and mood disorders (Odds ratio=3.07, 95% CI=1.41-6.68), while the STin2.10/10 homozygous genotype shows a negative association (Odds ratio=0.34, 95% CI=0.16-0.74). Adjusting for years of education, age, gender, marital status and ethnicity did not change these results, but showed that TUD was associated with lower education levels and less stable relationships, whereas mood disorders were related to female gender. A family history of TUD was significantly associated with TUD in subjects without mood disorders only. CONCLUSIONS: The STin2.12 allele is positively and the STin2.10/10 genotype is negatively associated with comorbid TUD and mood disorders, depression or bipolar depression, suggesting that biological endophenotypes, e.g. disorders in serotonin metabolism, may in part underpin this comorbidity.

Protein Expression and Codon 72 Polymorphism of TP53 Gene in Triple Negative Breast Cancer

A subgroup of tumor that has received attention is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), which presents phenotype of negative estrogen receptor, negative progesterone receptor and has no overexpression of HER2. TP53 acts as a tumor suppressor limiting the proliferation of damaged cells. A polymorphic site (rs1042522) of TP53 encodes either an arginine or a proline amino acid, but its biological significance remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate this variant and its expression in search for a possible involvement in TNBC susceptibility and clinical outcome. Genetic polymorphism was evaluated in 50 patients and 115 controls by PCR based methodology and immunohistochemistry was done with monoclonal antibody. Case-control study showed no positive or negative association (OR= 0.95; CI95%= 0.48-1.89). Comparison of genotypes and clinical outcome showed no significant results. Despite most of patients presented p53 positive staining by immunohistochemistry, there was no significant association in relation to prognostic parameters. Results demonstrated a lack of association between codon 72 polymorphism, susceptibility and prognosis of TNBC. Immunohistochemistry analysis should be done more carefully, since most of the patients had the somatic mutation of p53, which could be an indicator of prognostic value in TNBC.

SLC6A4 STin2 VNTR genetic polymorphism is associated with tobacco use disorder, but not with successful smoking cessation or smoking characteristics: a case control study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine if variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in the second intron (STin2) of the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) gene was associated with tobacco use disorder, successful smoking cessation, or smoking characteristics. In this case-control study, patients with current tobacco use disorder, diagnosed according to DSM IV criteria (n = 185), and never-smokers, diagnosed according to CDC criteria (n = 175), were recruited and received 52 weeks of combined pharmacotherapy and cognitive therapy. Successful smoking cessation was defined as exhaled carbon monoxide < 6 ppm. SLC6A4 gene STin2 VNTR polymorphism was assessed using a Multiplex-PCR-based method. At baseline, participants were evaluated using the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) and the ASSIST scale. RESULTS: The STin2.12 allele (OR = 2.45; 95% CI = 1.44-4.15, p < 0.001) was associated with an increased risk for tobacco use disorder, while the STin2.10/10 genotype (OR = 0.42; 95% CI 0.25-0.71, p < 0.001) decreased risk. There were no significant associations between tobacco use disorder and the STin2.10 or STin2.9 alleles or the other genotypes (STin2.12/12, 12/10, 12/9, 10/9 or 9/9). There were no significant associations between the STin2 genotypes and alleles and successful smoking cessation, smoking characteristics and increased alcohol or sedative use risk. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the STin2.10/10 genotype and STin2.12 allele are associated with tobacco use disorder or nicotine dependence, but not with treatment response or severity of dependence. It is hypothesized that the ST2in.12 allele by modulating the metabolism of serotonin may participate in the pathophysiology of tobacco use disorder or nicotine dependence.

FOXP3 transcription factor: a candidate marker for susceptibility and prognosis in triple negative breast cancer.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a relevant subgroup of neoplasia which presents negative phenotype of estrogen and progesterone receptors and has no overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2). FOXP3 (forkhead transcription factor 3) is a marker of regulatory T cells (Tregs), whose expression may be increased in tumor cells. This study aimed to investigate a polymorphism (rs3761548) and the protein expression of FOXP3 for a possible involvement in TNBC susceptibility and prognosis. Genetic polymorphism was evaluated in 50 patients and in 115 controls by allele-specific PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Protein expression was evaluated in 38 patients by immunohistochemistry. It was observed a positive association for homozygous AA (OR = 3.78; 95% CI = 1.02-14.06) in relation to TNBC susceptibility. Most of the patients (83%) showed a strong staining for FOXP3 protein in the tumor cells. In relation to FOXP3-positive infiltrate, 47% and 58% of patients had a moderate or intense intratumoral and peritumoral mononuclear infiltrate cells, respectively. Tumor size was positively correlated to intratumoral FOXP3-positive infiltrate (P = 0.026). In conclusion, since FOXP3 was positively associated with TNBC susceptibility and prognosis, it seems to be a promising candidate for further investigation in larger TNBC samples.

CC chemokine receptor 5: the interface of host immunity and cancer.

Solid tumors are embedded in a stromal microenvironment consisting of immune cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes, as well as nonimmune cells, such as endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Chemokines are a type of small secreted chemotactic cytokine and together with their receptors play key roles in the immune defense. Critically, they regulate cancer cellular migration and also contribute to their proliferation and survival. The CCR5 chemokine receptor is involved in leucocytes chemotaxis to sites of inflammation and plays an important role in the macrophages, T cells, and monocytes recruitment. Additionally, CCR5 may have an indirect effect on cancer progression by controlling the antitumor immune response, since it has been demonstrated that its expression could promote tumor growth and contribute to tumor metastasis, in different types of malignant tumors. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that a CCR5 antagonist may inhibit tumor growth, consisting of a possible therapeutic target. In this context, the present review focuses on the establishment of CCR5 within the interface of host immunity, tumor microenvironment, and its potential as a targeting to immunotherapy.

Molecular markers for breast cancer: prediction on tumor behavior.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers with greater than 1,300,000 cases and 450,000 deaths each year worldwide. The development of breast cancer involves a progression through intermediate stages until the invasive carcinoma and finally into metastatic disease. Given the variability in clinical progression, the identification of markers that could predict the tumor behavior is particularly important in breast cancer. The determination of tumor markers is a useful tool for clinical management in cancer patients, assisting in diagnostic, staging, evaluation of therapeutic response, detection of recurrence and metastasis, and development of new treatment modalities. In this context, this review aims to discuss the main tumor markers in breast carcinogenesis. The most well-established breast molecular markers with prognostic and/or therapeutic value like hormone receptors, HER-2 oncogene, Ki-67, and p53 proteins, and the genes for hereditary breast cancer will be presented. Furthermore, this review shows the new molecular targets in breast cancer: CXCR4, caveolin, miRNA, and FOXP3, as promising candidates for future development of effective and targeted therapies, also with lower toxicity.

CXCL12 and TP53 genetic polymorphisms as markers of susceptibility in a Brazilian children population with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric malignancy. Genetic polymorphisms in the 3'UTR region of the CXCL12 (rs1801157) and TP53 codon 72 (rs1042522) genes may contribute to susceptibility to childhood ALL because they affect some important processes, such as metastasis regulation and tumor suppression. Thus the objective of the present study was to detect the frequency of two genetic polymorphisms in ALL patients and controls and to add information their impact on genetic susceptibility and prognosis. The CXCL12 and TP53 polymorphisms were tested in 54 ALL child patients and in 58 controls by restriction fragment length polymerase chain reaction and allelic specific chain reaction techniques, respectively. The frequencies of both allelic variants were higher in ALL patients than in the controls and indicated a positive association: OR = 2.44; 95 % CI 1.05-5.64 for CXCL12 and OR = 2.20; 95 % CI 1.03-4.70 for TP53. Furthermore, when the two genetic variants were analyzed together, they increased significantly more than fivefold the risk of this neoplasia development (OR = 5.24; 95 % CI 1.39-19.75), indicating their potential as susceptibility markers for ALL disease and the relevance of the allelic variant combination to increased risk of developing malignant tumors. Future studies may indicate a larger panel of genes involved in susceptibility of childhood ALL and other hematological neoplasias.

CXCL12, CXCR4 and IFNγ genes expression: implications for proinflammatory microenvironment of breast cancer.

Signals from the microenvironment have a profound influence on the maintenance or progression of breast cancer. In the present study, the frequency of CXCL12 rs1801157 polymorphism in peripheral blood and the expression of CXCL12, CXCR4 and IFNγ mRNA in normal and mammary gland tumor tissues were assessed in breast cancer patients. Genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism and expression analyses by quantitative RT-PCR. A lower CXCL12 mRNA relative expression was observed among allele A carriers when compared to GG carriers (p = 0.012). ER-positive breast cancer allele A carriers showed a significantly lower expression of CXCL12 mRNA within tumor tissue than in normal breast tissue when compared to GG ER-positive patients (p = 0.016). CXCR4 mRNA (p < 0.001) and CXCL12 mRNA (p = 0.02) relative expressions were significantly correlated with relative IFNγ mRNA expression. Allele A carriers presenting high levels of IFNγ had a significantly higher expression of CXCR4 mRNA in tumor tissue than GG patients (p = 0.026). It is possible that allele A carrier hormone receptor-positive patients could be more susceptible to metastasis development, since they present a lower CXCL12 expression in tumor tissue, and tumor cells expressing CXCR4 could migrate toward CXCL12 gradient. IFNγ expression increases in order to improve immune response and could favor higher CXCR4 expression leading to migration of cells, possibly of metastatic ones, too.