SNPs in regulatory regions (rSNPs) are of special interest, as these are found in the non-coding but important areas that may be important for regulation of gene expressions.
Analysis of rSNPs is therefore an important tool for helping to understand how SNPs affect regulating biological signaling pathways during cancer development.
Several SNPs are associated with susceptibility to lung cancer. There is a great need for a molecular-biological characterization of high risk SNPs. Currently there is a considerable international activity for mapping, and for functional analysis of rSNPs. Integration of genotype data generated within molecular-epidemiological analyses with functional studies of risk genotypes is important. Through our ongoing association studies, we have identified several SNPs in inflammatory genes which can modulate cancer risk.
Aim:
In the current project we focus on molecular-biological studies that can shed light on mechanisms for the cancer risk associated with SNPs. Specifically, we will examine if risk-genotypes in core inflammatory genes such as interleukin 1-beta(IL1B) can be of
significance for gene expressions, DNA-protein binding, protein-protein-binding, mRNA stability and translation efficiency. We will also examine the interaction between key transcription factors like NF-kB proteins, which regulate several inflammatory genes, with other transcription factors such as YY1 protein. We will also examine how epigenetic factors may affect gene expression of the TERT gene.
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Link to the project page in Norwegian, for contact information, etc.