The Association between KRAS rs712 Polymorphism Within let-7 microRNA-Binding Site and Initiation and Progression of Lung Cancer in Iranian Population

  Recent studies have indicated the function of polymorphisms in the miRNAs-binding sites within the target genes in cancer incidence. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between KRAS rs712 polymorphism within let-7 microRNA-binding site and lung cancer risk in Iranian population. This case-control study was performed among 100 patients with lung cancer and 100 healthy individuals. The rs712 polymorphism in KRAS gene promoter was evaluated using PCR-RFLP technique and direct sequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software and t-test. Our findings showed that rs712, TT and GT genotypes and GT genotypes are significantly associated with lung cancer incidence in Iranian population (adjusted OR=3.556, 95% CI=1.346–9.379, P=0.015) and (OR=2.45, 95% CI =1.274–4.719, P=0.010), and rs712 T allele was associated with lung cancer incidence (OR =1.711, 95% CI =1.147–2.553, P=0.011). In addition, our analysis showed an association between the rs712 TT genotype and lung cancer metastasis (P= 0.006). According to our findings, rs712 T allele is significantly associated with the initiation and progression of lung cancer in Iranian population and it may be served as a lung cancer screening marker in the future.