Analysis of DNMT3B 579 G>T polymorphism in the head and neck squamous cell carcinogenesis

• Grant number: 11/17886-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: November 01, 2011
• End date: October 31, 2013
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Genetics - Human and Medical Genetics
• Principal Investigator: Eny Maria Goloni Bertollo
• Grantee: Jéssika Nunes Gomes da Silva
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP). São José do Rio Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is considered one of the most often malignant tumors in developed countries that is frequently discovered in advanced stages and has few effective options for treatment. The major risk factors for this type of neoplasia are tobacco and alcohol consumption, poor diet, and viral infections. Alterations in folate metabolism may contribute to the carcinogenesis process by influencing the reactions of DNA methylation and genomic stability. Polymorphisms in genes that encode enzymes involved in the folate pathway may affect enzymatic activity by interfering with homocysteine, S-adenosylmethionine concentrations, and other products of metabolism that are essential for DNA synthesis and cellular methylation reactions. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the association between 579 G>T DNMT3B gene single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), which encodes the DNMT3B enzyme of folate metabolism, and the carcinogenesis of head and neck risk; and to evaluate the impact of this polymorphism with histopathological parameters and risk factors (tobacco, alcohol, and gender). Genotype analysis will be performed by the Polymerase Chain Reaction in Real Time in 200 head and neck cancer patients and 400 control individuals. The results may contribute to the determination of the involvement of the DNMT3B gene in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma susceptibility and make significant contributions to the understanding of the mechanisms related to the tumorigenesis process.(AU)