A functional variant at miRNA-122 binding site in IL-1 alpha 3 ' UTR predicts risk and HPV-positive tumours of oropharyngeal cancer

摘要

Background: Genetic polymorphisms in the 3' untranslated regions (3' UTRs) targeted by miRNAs alter the strength of miRNA binding in a manner that affects the behaviour of individual miRNAs. An insertion (Ins)/deletion (Del) polymorphism (rs3783553) in the 3' UTR of IL-1 alpha may disrupt a binding site for miRNA-122. IL-1 alpha plays an important role in inflammation, immunity and defense against infection. Thus, we hypothesised that the rs3783553 polymorphism affects individual susceptibility to human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).