Association of HLA-G 3' untranslated region indel polymorphism and its serum expression with susceptibility to colorectal cancer

Biomark Med. 2023 Jun;17(12):541-552. doi: 10.2217/bmm-2023-0212. Epub 2023 Sep 26.

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant global health challenge with increasing incidence and mortality rates in developing countries. Genome-wide association studies have identified new low-penetrance genetic variants linked to CRC. This study aimed to explore the relationship between HLA-G polymorphism and serum expression with CRC. Methodology: In a case-control configuration, standard PCR was used for genotyping HLA-G 3' indel polymorphism and ELISA for quantifying soluble HLA-G in plasma. Results: The study revealed a significant association between the rs371194629 deletion allele and CRC, as well as higher soluble HLA-G levels in CRC patients. Conclusion: These findings suggest that HLA-G could be a promising biomarker for CRC, and further research could lead to improved screening and treatment for more personalized care.

Keywords: 3′UTR indel polymorphism; HLA-G; Tunisia; colorectal cancer; rs371194629; sHLA-G.

Plain language summary

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious type of cancer that affects the colon or rectum and is a big problem worldwide. Scientists in this study wanted to see how a specific gene change might be linked to CRC. They compared the genes of people with CRC with those without the disease. They also checked for a protein called soluble HLA-G in their blood. The results showed that a certain form of the gene change, called rs371194629, was connected to a higher risk of getting CRC. They also found higher levels of the protein HLA-G in people with CRC. This suggests that HLA-G could be a helpful sign to show if someone has CRC. Doctors might use it to find the disease earlier and give better treatments, but more research is needed to be sure and to see how useful HLA-G could be in managing CRC.