The Association Between KRAS rs712 Polymorphism Within let-7 microRNA-Binding Site and Lung Cancer in the Iranian Population

Introduction: 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 (LC) risk in the Iranian population. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was performed among 100 patients with LC and 100 healthy individuals. The rs712 polymorphism in KRAS gene promoter was evaluated using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique and direct sequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software and t-test. Results: The findings of this study revealed that rs712, TT and GT genotypes are significantly associated with LC incidence in the Iranian population (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.556, 95% CI = 1.346–9.379, P = 0.01) and (OR = 2.45, 95% CI = 1.274–4.719, P = 0.01), and rs712 T allele was associated with LC incidence (OR = 1.711, 95% CI = 1.147–2.553, P = 0.01). In addition, our analysis showed an association between the rs712 TT genotype and LC metastasis (P = 0.006). Conclusions: According to our findings, rs712 T allele is significantly associated with the initiation and progression of LC in the Iranian population and it may be served as a LC screening marker in the future