Association of Polymorphisms in TCF7L2 Gene with Gastric Cancer Risk: A Preliminary Study in Turkish

Aim: The Transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) gene, located on chromosome 10q25.3, encodes a transcription factor, which contains a high mobility group box, demonstrated in association with many cancer types. This factor is a critical part of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway that plays key roles in regulation of embryonic development and homeostasis in mature tissues. It is known that the constant activation of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway can cause cancer development. In this study, it is aimed to reveal the association between rs7903146C>T and rs12255372G/T single nucleotide polymorphisms in TCF7L2 gene, the key effector of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway, and gastric cancer and to determine associated risk alleles. Material and Method: In our study, polymorphisms in TCF7L2 gene were genotyped using PCR-PFLP technique in 38 patients with gastric cancer and 48 healthy individuals. The obtained data were statistically analyzed and p<0.06 was accepted significant in all assessments. Results: No significant association was determined between rs7903146C>T and disease (p> 0.05) while 122553720>T polymorphism was associated with the disease under additive model (OR: 0.366 195% Cl: 0.135-0.989] p=0.047). Discussion: This is the first study to examine the association between TCF7L2 gene and gastric cancer risk in Turkish population and suggests that rs12255372C>T could be a potential indicator for gastric cancer. On the other hand, further studies are required which will be carry out in more increased number of samples in a wider population.