Investigation of RASSF4 gene in head and neck cancers

Abstract

Objectives RASSF gene family can inhibit the growth of RAS oncogene. This gene family is suggested to have a role in cell cycle control, apoptosis, cell migration, and mitosis control. This study evaluated RASSF4 gene expression levels, SNPs and serum levels in tissues dissected from both healthy individuals and patients diagnosed with head, and neck cancer. Methods RASSF4 gene expression levels were determined using the RT-PCR. Serum levels of RASSF4 were tested using the Enzyme-Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay technique in study groups. RASSF4 rs7896801 and rs884879 genotypes were identified using by the RT-PCR. Results No statistical difference was observed between study groups according to RASSF4 gene expression levels. According to SNP results, rs7896801 revealed a 2.4 fold increase of G-allele presence in patients (p=0.015). The increase in the presence of AA genotype was statistically significant for the control group (p=0.015). Distribution of genotypes and alleles for rs884879 showed a 2.2 fold increase in CC genotype for healthy group (p=0.031) however, the presence of T allele showed a significant increase in the patients (p=0.048). Conclusions We suggest that this study will play a pioneering role for the next studies on RASSF4 gene, especially on SNPs.