Identification of Common Genes Refers to Colorectal Carcinogenesis with Paired Cancer and Noncancer Samples.

Dis Markers. 2018;2018:3452739

Authors: Zhang L, Yang Y, Cheng L, Cheng Y, Zhou HH, Tan ZR

Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a malignant tumor which harmed human beings' health. The aim of this study was to explore common biomarkers associated with colorectal carcinogenesis in paired cancer and noncancer samples. At first, fifty-nine pairs of colorectal cancer and noncancer samples from three gene expression datasets were collected and analyzed. Then, 181 upregulation and 282 downregulation common differential expression genes (DEGs) were found. Next, functional annotation was performed in the DAVID database with the DEGs. Finally, real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was conducted to verify the analyses in sixteen colorectal cancer and individual-matched adjacent mucosa samples. Real-time PCR showed that MCM2, RNASEH2A, and TOP2A were upregulated in colorectal cancer compared with adjacent mucosa samples (MCM2, P < 0.001; RNASEH2A, P < 0.001; TOP2A, P = 0.001). These suggested that 463 DEGs might contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis.

PMID: 29651323 [PubMed - in process]

Genetic Variants in CPA6 and PRPF31 are Associated with Variation in Response to Metformin in Individuals with Type 2 Diabetes.

Diabetes. 2018 Apr 12;:

Authors: Rotroff DM, Yee SW, Zhou K, Marvel SW, Shah HS, Jack JR, Havener TM, Hedderson MM, Kubo M, Herman MA, Gao H, Mychaleckyi JC, McLeod HL, Doria A, Giacomini KM, Pearson ER, Wagner MJ, Buse JB, Motsinger-Reif AA, MetGen Investigators and the ACCORD/ACCORDion Investigators

Abstract
Metformin is the first line treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although widely prescribed, the glucose-lowering mechanism for metformin is incompletely understood. Here we used a genome-wide association approach in a diverse group of individuals with T2D from the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) clinical trial to identify common and rare variants associated with HbA1c response to metformin treatment, and followed up these findings in four replication cohorts. Common variants in PRPF31 and CPA6, were associated with worse and better metformin response, respectively (p<5×10-6), and meta-analysis in independent cohorts displayed similar associations with metformin response (p=1.2×10-8 and p=0.005, respectively). Previous studies have shown that PRPF31(+/-) knockout mice have increased total body fat (p=1.78×10-6) and increased fasted circulating glucose (p=5.73×10-6). Furthermore, rare variants in STAT3 associated with worse metformin response(q<0.1). STAT3 is a ubiquitously expressed pleiotropic transcriptional activator that participates in the regulation of metabolism and feeding behavior. Here we provide novel evidence for associations of common and rare variants in PRPF31, CPA6, and STAT3 with metformin response that may provide insight into mechanisms important for metformin efficacy in T2D.

PMID: 29650774 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Is Plasma Renin Activity Genetically Determined and How Much Does It Matter for Treating Hypertension?

Circ Genom Precis Med. 2018 Apr;11(4):e002139

Authors: Alhenc-Gelas F, Menard J

PMID: 29650769 [PubMed - in process]

Genetic Variants Influencing Plasma Renin Activity in Hypertensive Patients From the PEAR Study (Pharmacogenomic Evaluation of Antihypertensive Responses).

Circ Genom Precis Med. 2018 Apr;11(4):e001854

Authors: McDonough CW, Magvanjav O, Sá ACC, El Rouby NM, Dave C, Deitchman AN, Kawaguchi-Suzuki M, Mei W, Shen Y, Singh RSP, Solayman M, Bailey KR, Boerwinkle E, Chapman AB, Gums JG, Webb A, Scherer SE, Sadee W, Turner ST, Cooper-DeHoff RM, Gong Y, Johnson JA

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Plasma renin is an important regulator of blood pressure (BP). Plasma renin activity (PRA) has been shown to correlate with variability in BP response to antihypertensive agents. We conducted a genome-wide association study to identify single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with baseline PRA using data from the PEAR study (Pharmacogenomic Evaluation of Antihypertensive Responses).
METHODS: Multiple linear regression analysis was performed in 461 whites and 297 blacks using an additive model, adjusting for age, sex, and ancestry-specific principal components. Top SNPs were prioritized by testing the expected direction of association for BP response to atenolol and hydrochlorothiazide. Top regions from the BP response prioritization were tested for functional evidence through differences in gene expression by genotype using RNA sequencing data. Regions with functional evidence were assessed for replication with baseline PRA in an independent study (PEAR-2).
RESULTS: Our top SNP rs3784921 was in the SNN-TXNDC11 gene region. The G allele of rs3784921 was associated with higher baseline PRA (β=0.47; P=2.09×10-6) and smaller systolic BP reduction in response to hydrochlorothiazide (β=2.97; 1-sided P=0.006). In addition, TXNDC11 expression differed by rs3784921 genotype (P=0.007), and rs1802409, a proxy SNP for rs3784921 (r2=0.98-1.00), replicated in PEAR-2 (β=0.15; 1-sided P=0.038). Additional SNPs associated with baseline PRA that passed BP response prioritization were in/near the genes CHD9, XIRP2, and GHR. CONCLUSIONS: We identified multiple regions associated with baseline PRA that were prioritized through BP response signals to 2 mechanistically different antihypertensive drugs.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00246519.

PMID: 29650764 [PubMed - in process]

Pharmacogenetics of androgen signaling in prostate cancer: Focus on castration resistance and predictive biomarkers of response to treatment.

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2018 May;125:51-59

Authors: Del Re M, Crucitta S, Restante G, Rofi E, Arrigoni E, Biasco E, Sbrana A, Coppi E, Galli L, Bracarda S, Santini D, Danesi R

Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity strongly affects the molecular mechanisms driving resistance to hormonal therapies in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Since the current use of available treatments can be optimized on the basis of the molecular profile of tumor, the present review focuses on genetic biomarkers in prostate cancer and their application to a personalized treatment.

PMID: 29650277 [PubMed - in process]

Mechanism of action of trabectedin in desmoplastic small round cell tumor cells.

BMC Cancer. 2017 Feb 06;17(1):107

Authors: Uboldi S, Craparotta I, Colella G, Ronchetti E, Beltrame L, Vicario S, Marchini S, Panini N, Dagrada G, Bozzi F, Pilotti S, Galmarini CM, D'Incalci M, Gatta R

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare and highly aggressive disease, that can be described as a member of the family of small round blue cell tumors. The molecular diagnostic marker is the t(11;22)(p13;q12) translocation, which creates an aberrant transcription factor, EWS-WT1, that underlies the oncogenesis of DSRCT. Current treatments are not very effective so new active drugs are needed. Trabectedin, now used as a single agent for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma, was reported to be active in some pre-treated DSRCT patients. Using JN-DSRCT-1, a cell line derived from DSRCT expressing the EWS-WT1 fusion protein, we investigated the ability of trabectedin to modify the function of the chimeric protein, as in other sarcomas expressing fusion proteins. After detailed characterization of the EWS-WT1 transcripts structure, we investigated the mode of action of trabectedin, looking at the expression and function of the oncogenic chimera.
METHODS: We characterized JN-DSRCT-1 cells using cellular approaches (FISH, Clonogenicity assay) and molecular approaches (Sanger sequencing, ChIP, GEP).
RESULTS: JN-DSRCT-1 cells were sensitive to trabectedin at nanomolar concentrations. The cell line expresses different variants of EWS-WT1, some already identified in patients. EWS-WT1 mRNA expression was affected by trabectedin and chimeric protein binding on its target gene promoters was reduced. Expression profiling indicated that trabectedin affects the expression of genes involved in cell proliferation and apoptosis.
CONCLUSIONS: The JN-DSRCT-1 cell line, in vitro, is sensitive to trabectedin: after drug exposure, EWS-WT1 chimera expression decreases as well as binding on its target promoters. Probably the heterogeneity of chimera transcripts is an obstacle to precisely defining the molecular mode of action of drugs, calling for further cellular models of DSRCT, possibly growing in vivo too, to mimic the biological complexity of this disease.

PMID: 28166781 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Clinical implementation of rapid CYP2C19 genotyping to guide antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention.

J Transl Med. 2018 Apr 11;16(1):92

Authors: Cavallari LH, Franchi F, Rollini F, Been L, Rivas A, Agarwal M, Smith DM, Newsom K, Gong Y, Elsey AR, Starostik P, Johnson JA, Angiolillo DJ

Abstract
BACKGROUND: The CYP2C19 nonfunctional genotype reduces clopidogrel effectiveness after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Following clinical implementation of CYP2C19 genotyping at University Florida (UF) Health Shands Hospital in 2012, where genotype results are available approximately 3 days after PCI, testing was expanded to UF Health Jacksonville in 2016 utilizing a rapid genotyping approach. We describe metrics with this latter implementation.
METHODS: Patients at UF Health Jacksonville undergoing left heart catheterization with intent to undergo PCI were targeted for genotyping using the Spartan RX™ system. Testing metrics and provider acceptance of testing and response to genotype results were examined, as was antiplatelet therapy over the 6 months following genotyping.
RESULTS: In the first year, 931 patients, including 392/505 (78%) total patients undergoing PCI, were genotyped. The median genotype test turnaround time was 96 min. Genotype results were available for 388 (99%) PCI patients prior to discharge. Of 336 genotyped PCI patients alive at discharge and not enrolled in an antiplatelet therapy trial, 1/6 (17%) poor metabolizers (PMs, with two nonfunctional alleles), 38/93 (41%) intermediate metabolizers (IMs, with one nonfunctional allele), and 119/237 (50%) patients without a nonfunctional allele were prescribed clopidogrel (p = 0.110). Clopidogrel use was higher among non-ACS versus ACS patients (78.6% vs. 42.2%, p < 0.001). Six months later, among patients with follow-up data, clopidogrel was prescribed in 0/4 (0%) PMs, 33/65 (51%) IMs, and 115/182 (63%) patients without a nonfunctional allele (p = 0.008 across groups; p = 0.020 for PMs versus those without a nonfunctional allele).
CONCLUSION: These data demonstrate that rapid genotyping is clinically feasible at a high volume cardiac catheterization facility and allows informed chronic antiplatelet prescribing, with lower clopidogrel use in PMs at 6 months. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02724319; registered March 31, 2016; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02724319?term=angiolillo&rank=7.

PMID: 29642909 [PubMed - in process]

Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism Involved in Pomegranate-Mediated Prevention of Breast Cancer: the Role of NF-κB and Nrf2 Signaling Pathways.

Nutrients. 2017 Apr 28;9(5):

Authors: Mandal A, Bhatia D, Bishayee A

Abstract
Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.), a nutrient-rich unique fruit, has been used for centuries for the prevention and treatment of various inflammation-driven diseases. Based on our previous study, a characterized pomegranate emulsion (PE) exhibited a striking inhibition of dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-initiated rat mammary tumorigenesis via antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing mechanisms. The objective of the present work is to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanism of action of PE during DMBA rat mammary carcinogenesis by evaluating the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2p45 (NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Mammary tumor samples were harvested from our previous chemopreventive study in which PE (0.2-5.0 g/kg) was found to reduce mammary tumorigenesis in a dose-dependent manner. The expressions of COX-2, HSP90, NF-κB, inhibitory κBα (IκBα) and Nrf2 were detected by immunohistochemical techniques. PE decreased the expression of COX-2 and HSP90, prevented the degradation of IκBα, hindered the translocation of NF-κB from cytosol to nucleus and increased the expression and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 during DMBA-induced mammary tumorigenesis. These findings, together with our previous results, indicate that PE-mediated prevention of DMBA-evoked mammary carcinogenesis may involve anti-inflammatory mechanisms through concurrent but differential regulation of two interrelated molecular pathways, namely NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling.

PMID: 28452959 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B inhibits apoptotic cell clearance by macrophages through protein S cleavage.

Sci Rep. 2016 05 16;6:26026

Authors: Chen CL, Wu YY, Lin CF, Kuo CF, Han CL, Wang S, Chuang WJ, Chen CY, Wu JJ, Tsai PJ, Liu CC, Lin YS

Abstract
Clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages plays an important role in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Previous study indicated that streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SPE B) reduces phagocytic activity in group A streptococcus (GAS) infection. Here, we demonstrate that SPE B causes an inhibitory effect on protein S-mediated phagocytosis. In the presence of SPE B, serum- and purified protein S-mediated phagocytosis of apoptotic cells were significantly inhibited. The binding abilities of protein S to apoptotic cells were decreased by treatment with SPE B. Bacterial culture supernatants from GAS NZ131 strain also caused a reduction of protein S binding to apoptotic cells, but speB mutant strain did not. SPE B directly cleaved protein S in vitro and in vivo, whereas a lower level of cleavage occurred in mice infected with a speB isogenic mutant strain. SPE B-mediated initial cleavage of protein S caused a disruption of phagocytosis, and also resulted in a loss of binding ability of protein S-associated C4b-binding protein to apoptotic cells. Taken together, these results suggest a novel pathogenic role of SPE B that initiates protein S degradation followed by the inhibition of apoptotic cell clearance by macrophages.

PMID: 27181595 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A Common Allele in FGF21 Associated with Sugar Intake Is Associated with Body Shape, Lower Total Body-Fat Percentage, and Higher Blood Pressure.

Cell Rep. 2018 Apr 10;23(2):327-336

Authors: Frayling TM, Beaumont RN, Jones SE, Yaghootkar H, Tuke MA, Ruth KS, Casanova F, West B, Locke J, Sharp S, Ji Y, Thompson W, Harrison J, Etheridge AS, Gallins PJ, Jima D, Wright F, Zhou Y, Innocenti F, Lindgren CM, Grarup N, Murray A, Freathy RM, Weedon MN, Tyrrell J, Wood AR

Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is a hormone that has insulin-sensitizing properties. Some trials of FGF21 analogs show weight loss and lipid-lowering effects. Recent studies have shown that a common allele in the FGF21 gene alters the balance of macronutrients consumed, but there was little evidence of an effect on metabolic traits. We studied a common FGF21 allele (A:rs838133) in 451,099 people from the UK Biobank study, aiming to use the human allele to inform potential adverse and beneficial effects of targeting FGF21. We replicated the association between the A allele and higher percentage carbohydrate intake. We then showed that this allele is more strongly associated with higher blood pressure and waist-hip ratio, despite an association with lower total body-fat percentage, than it is with BMI or type 2 diabetes. These human phenotypes of variation in the FGF21 gene will inform research into FGF21's mechanisms and therapeutic potential.

PMID: 29641994 [PubMed - in process]

Identification and characterization of amiodarone metabolites in rats using UPLC-ESI-QTOFMS-based untargeted metabolomics approach.

J Toxicol Environ Health A. 2018 Apr 11;:1-12

Authors: Jeong ES, Kim G, Yim D, Moon KS, Lee SJ, Shin JG, Kim DH

Abstract
Amiodarone is a class III anti-arrhythmic benzofuran derivative extensively utilized in treatment of life-threatening ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. However, amiodarone also produces adverse side effects including liver injury due to its metabolites rather than parent drug. The purpose of the present study was to identify metabolites of amiodarone in the plasma and urine of rats administered the drug by using an untargeted metabolomics approach. Drug metabolites were profiled by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linked electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QTOFMS) and results subjected to multivariate data analysis. A total of 49 amiodarone metabolites were identified and their structures were characterized by tandem mass spectrometry. Amiodarone metabolites are presumed to be generated via five major types of metabolic reactions including N-desethylation, hydroxylation, carboxylation (oxo/hydroxylation), de-iodination, and glucuronidation. Data demonstrated that an untargeted metabolomics approach appeared to be a reliable tool for identifying unknown metabolites in a complex biological matrix.

PMID: 29641932 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Personalized Dosing of Dichloroacetate Using GSTZ1 Clinical Genotyping Assay.

Genet Test Mol Biomarkers. 2018 Mar 19;:

Authors: Langaee T, Wagner R, Horne LP, Lawson LA, Becker C, Shahin M, Starostik P, Stacpoole PW

Abstract
AIMS: Dichloroacetate (DCA) represents the first targeted therapy for pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency; it is metabolized by glutathione transferase zeta1 (GSTZ1). Variation in the GSTZ1 haplotype is the principal variable influencing DCA kinetics and dynamics in humans. We aimed to develop a sensitive and rapid clinical genetic screening test for determining GSTZ1 haplotype status in individuals who would be treated with DCA, and then apply the test for the investigation of the plasma pharmacokinetics (PK) of DCA as a function of GSTZ1 haplotype.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: DNA samples from 45 healthy volunteer study participants were genotyped for three functional GSTZ1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (rs7975, rs7972, and rs1046428) by TaqMan®. Prior studies showed that subjects with at least one EGT haplotype (EGT carrier) metabolized DCA faster than EGT noncarriers. The clinical genetic test for GSTZ1 was developed and validated at our CLIA-certified Clinical Laboratory. Four fast metabolizer EGT carriers and four slow metabolizer EGT noncarriers were selected to complete a standard PK study. Each participant received a single oral dose of 25 mg/kg of DCA (IND 028625) for 5 days.
RESULTS: The EGT haplotype carrier group demonstrated significantly faster metabolism of DCA and higher rates of plasma DCA clearance after 5 days of drug exposure compared with EGT noncarriers (p = 0.04).
CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary data establish the validity and practicality of our rapid genotyping/haplotyping procedure for genetic-based DCA dosing to mitigate or prevent adverse effects in patients treated chronically with this drug.

PMID: 29641284 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Corrigendum.

Pharmacogenomics. 2018 Apr 11;:

Authors:

PMID: 29637802 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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A genetic polymorphism in the CYP1B1 gene in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: an Iranian Mashhad cohort study recruited over 10 years.

Pharmacogenomics. 2018 Apr 09;:

Authors: Moghadam AR, Mehramiz M, Entezari M, Aboutalebi H, Kohansal F, Dadjoo P, Fiuji H, Nasiri M, Aledavood SA, Anvari K, Simab SA, Khorrami MS, Moradi A, Hassanian SM, Ferns GA, Sales SS, Avan A

Abstract
AIM: Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer globally and the seventh most common cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Recent studies have shown that CYP450, family 1, subfamily B, polypeptide 1, which plays a role in the metabolism of xenobiotics, is associated with several cancers. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the association between a genetic variant, CYP1B1-rs1056836 gene, with the clinical characteristics of patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus (ESCC).
METHOD: In this study, 117 patients with ESCC and 208 healthy controls were recruited. DNA was extracted and genotyped using real-time PCR-based TaqMan. Kaplan-Meier curves were utilized to assess overall and progression-free survival. To evaluate the relationship between clinicopathological data, genotypic frequencies, disease prognosis and survival, Pearson's χ2 and t-test were used. Logistic regression was utilized to assess the association between the risk of ESCC and genotypes.
RESULTS:  The genotypic frequency for GG, GC and CC were 58.6, 29.8 and 11.5%, respectively, in the healthy subjects and 51.8, 36.14 and 12% in the ESCC group. An association between the GG genotype and stage of ESCC was found. Also, statistically significant results were not found for this variation and risk of ESCC.
CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest a relationship between the CYP1B1-rs1056836 genetic polymorphism and clinical features of ESCC, supporting further studies in larger populations in different ethnic groups, taking into account potentially important environmental factors such as diet.

PMID: 29629838 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

CYP3A pharmacogenetic association with tacrolimus pharmacokinetics differs based on route of drug administration.

Pharmacogenomics. 2018 Apr 09;:

Authors: Pasternak AL, Zhang L, Hertz DL

Abstract
Tacrolimus is prescribed to the majority of transplant recipients to prevent graft rejection, and although patients are maintained on oral administration, nonoral routes of administration are frequently used in the initial post-transplant period. CYP3A5 genotype is an established predictor of oral tacrolimus dose requirements, and clinical guideline recommendations exist for CYP3A5-guided dose selection. However, the association between CYP3A5 and nonoral tacrolimus administration is currently poorly understood, and differs from the oral tacrolimus relationship. In addition to CYP3A5, other pharmacogenes associated with CYP3A activity, including CYP3A4, CYP3A7 and POR have also been identified as predictors of tacrolimus exposure. This review will describe the current understanding of the relationship between these pharmacogenes and tacrolimus pharmacokinetics after oral and nonoral administration.

PMID: 29629825 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Association between HLA-B*15:02 and oxcarbazepine-induced cutaneous adverse reaction: a meta-analysis.

Pharmacogenomics. 2018 Apr 09;:

Authors: Liu Y, Yu Y, Nie X, Zhao L, Wang X

Abstract
AIM: HLA-B*15:02 has been demonstrated as a key risk factor for carbamazepine-induced severe cutaneous adverse reaction (sCAR), especially in Asian population. Oxcarbazepine (OXC) is a drug that has a similar structure of carbamazepine. However, the relationship between HLA-B*15:02 and induced cutaneous adverse reaction (cADR) remains unknown. This study aims to analyze this association in the published literature.
METHOD: After filtering studies, eight studies were finally included for meta-analysis, including 32 sCAR cases, 112 mild cutaneous adverse reaction (mcADR) cases, 281 OXC tolerant control and 946 population control cases.
RESULT: In the tolerant control group, an association was found between HLA-B*15:02 genotype and OXC-induced sCAR (odds ratio [OR]: 18.13; 95% CI: 6.77-48.56), but not in mcADR (OR: 1.43; 95% CI: 0.56-3.64). In population control group, an association was found between HLA-B*15:02 genotype and OXC-induced sCAR, (OR: 8.22; 95% CI: 3.03-22.34), but not in mcADR (OR: 2.06; 95% CI: 0.91-4.67).
DISCUSSION: Our study demonstrates that the genetic risk factor HLA-B*15:02 may be a factor in OXC-induced sCAR.

PMID: 29629814 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

The 9p21 locus as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker in colorectal cancer.

Pharmacogenomics. 2018 Apr 09;:

Authors: Bahrami A, Hassanian SM, Khazaei M, Gharib M, Rahmani M, Fiuji H, Jazayeri MH, Moetamani-Ahmadi M, Ferns GA, Avan A

Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related-death worldwide. Despite extensive efforts to identify valid biomarkers for the risk stratification of CRC patients, there are few of proven clinical utility. It is recognized that genetic factors play a major role in determining susceptibility to CRC. Recent genome-wide association studies have demonstrated common genetic variants in a region on chromosome 9p21 associated with an increased risk of CRC. Several genetic polymorphisms have been identified in this region that are associated with CRC. Three genes are located at this locus; CDKN2B(encoding-p15ink4b), CDKN2A (encoding-p16ink4a/p14ARF) and 3' end of CDKN2BAS (termed-antisense-noncoding-RNA in the INK4-locus [ANRIL]). ANRIL has a post-transcriptional modulatory activity, which has been shown to perturb the expression of nearby genes. It also plays an important role in coordinating tissue remodeling through regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, aging, extra-cellular matrix remodeling and inflammatory response. However, the role of ANRIL is not well understood in CRC. Hypermethylation of the p14ARF and p16INK4a genes is often found in some tumors, including CRC. However, further studies are necessary to explore the clinical utility of these putative markers in risk stratification, and in the assessment of prognosis. In this review, we have summarized the prognostic and therapeutic potential of the p14ARF and p16INK4a genes in patients with colorectal cancer.

PMID: 29629612 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Identification of novel CYP4F2 genetic variants exhibiting decreased catalytic activity in the conversion of arachidonic acid to 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE).

Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids. 2018 Apr;131:6-13

Authors: Kim WY, Lee SJ, Min J, Oh KS, Kim DH, Kim HS, Shin JG

Abstract
CYP4F2 is an enzyme involved in the formation of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) from arachidonic acid and metabolizes vitamin K into an inactive form. Our objectives were to identify new CYP4F2 genetic variants and to characterize the functional consequences of the conversion of arachidonic acid into 20-HETE. We used direct DNA sequencing to identify a total of 20 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) including four coding variants, A27V, R47C, P85A, and V433M, in 50 randomly selected subjects. Of these, A27V and P85A were new. Recombinant variant proteins were prepared using an Escherichia coli expression system, purified, and quantified via CO-difference spectral analysis. The conversion of arachidonic acid to 20-HETE by the coding variants was compared to that of the wild-type protein. Wild-type CYP4F2 exhibited the highest intrinsic clearance, followed by P85A, A27V, V433M, and R47C (40-65% of the wild-type value). The locations of the mutated residues in the three-dimensional protein structure were predicted by structural modeling, and the possible effects on 20-HETE synthesis discussed. In summary, we describe the allele frequency, haplotype distribution, and linkage disequilibrium of CYP4F2 and functionally analyze the CYP4F2 coding variants. Our findings suggest that individuals having the low-activity alleles of CYP4F2 may inefficiently convert arachidonic acid into 20-HETE. This may aid in our understanding of 20-HETE-related blood pressure problems and cardiovascular diseases when genotype-phenotype association studies are performed in the future.

PMID: 29628049 [PubMed - in process]

Novel Applications of Metabolomics in Personalized Medicine: A Mini-Review.

Molecules. 2017 Jul 13;22(7):

Authors: Li B, He X, Jia W, Li H

Abstract
Interindividual variability in drug responses and disease susceptibility is common in the clinic. Currently, personalized medicine is highly valued, the idea being to prescribe the right medicine to the right patient. Metabolomics has been increasingly applied in evaluating the therapeutic outcomes of clinical drugs by correlating the baseline metabolic profiles of patients with their responses, i.e., pharmacometabonomics, as well as prediction of disease susceptibility among population in advance, i.e., patient stratification. The accelerated advance in metabolomics technology pinpoints the huge potential of its application in personalized medicine. In current review, we discussed the novel applications of metabolomics with typical examples in evaluating drug therapy and patient stratification, and underlined the potential of metabolomics in personalized medicine in the future.

PMID: 28703775 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]