Integrin alpha-2 and beta-3 gene polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk.
OBJECTIVE
Integrins such as alpha(2)beta(1), alpha(IIb)beta(3), and alpha(v)beta(3) have been suggested as key players for cancer development and progression. Several polymorphisms affecting these molecules, two in integrin alpha(2) (ITGA2 807C>T and 1648G>A) and one in beta(3) (ITGB3 176T>C), influence their levels, structure, and possibly their function. To analyze the role of ITGA2 and ITGB3 polymorphisms for colorectal cancer risk and clinical presentation, we performed a case-control study.


METHODS
Four hundred thirty-three colorectal cancer patients and 433 healthy sex- and age-matched control subjects were investigated. ITGA2 and ITGB3 polymorphisms were determined by 5'-nuclease assays.


RESULTS
The ITGA2 807C>T polymorphism was associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk. In a codominant model, the odds ratio for each additional 807-T allele for colorectal cancer was 0.77 (95% confidence interval 0.64-0.94; p = 0.011). The ITGA2 1648G> and the ITGB3 176T>C polymorphism were not associated with colorectal cancer. None of the three polymorphisms investigated was associated with tumor size, histological grade, presence of primary lymph node metastases, tumor stage, or age at diagnosis.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that the ITGA2 807C>T polymorphism may be associated with reduced colorectal cancer risk.
Division of Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 15, 8036, Graz, Austria. armin.gerger@klinikum-graz.at
Armin
A
Gerger
Günter
G
Hofmann
Uwe
U
Langsenlehner
Wilfried
W
Renner
Werner
W
Weitzer
Martin
M
Wehrschütz
Thomas
T
Wascher
Hellmut
H
Samonigg
Peter
P
Krippl
D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015179:Colorectal Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D003710:Demography; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006801:Humans; D039421:Integrin alpha2 / Q000235:genetics*; D039661:Integrin beta3 / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / Q000235:genetics*
C061248:ITGB3 protein, human; D039421:Integrin alpha2; D039661:Integrin beta3