Network analysis of skin tumor progression identifies a rewired genetic architecture affecting inflammation and tumor susceptibility
2011

Genetic Analysis of Skin Tumor Progression

Sample size: 71 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): David A. Quigley, Minh D. To, Il Jin Kim, Kevin K. Lin, Donna G. Albertson, Jonas Sjolund, Jesús Pérez-Losada, Allan Balmain

Primary Institution: Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California San Francisco

Hypothesis

Whether germline variants affect gene expression in tumors that have undergone somatic alterations, and the extent to which these variants influence tumor progression, is unknown.

Conclusion

The genetic architecture is substantially altered in tumors, and eQTL analysis of tumors can identify host factors that influence the tumor microenvironment, MAP kinase signaling, and cancer susceptibility.

Supporting Evidence

  • Germline polymorphisms can influence gene expression networks in normal mammalian tissues and can affect disease susceptibility.
  • The number of significant eQTL is progressively reduced in benign and malignant skin tumors when compared to normal skin.
  • Novel tumor-specific eQTL are detected for several genes associated with tumor susceptibility.

Takeaway

This study looked at how genes in mice change when they develop skin tumors, finding that some genes that help tumors grow are different from those in normal skin.

Methodology

An integrated linkage and genomic analysis of a mouse model of skin cancer was performed, including gene expression analysis and eQTL analysis.

Limitations

The confirmation cohort was relatively small, which may limit the power of the study.

Participant Demographics

FVBBX mice were used, with a defined genetic background.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.00001

Statistical Significance

p<0.00001

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/gb-2011-12-1-r5

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