Polymorphisms in TGF-β1 gene and the risk of lung cancer

SummaryBackgroundTransforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) functions as a suppressor of tumor initiation by inhibiting cellular proliferation or by promoting cellular differentiation or apoptosis in the early phase of cancer development. Variations in the DNA sequence in the TGF-β1 gene may lead to altered TGF-β1 production and/or activity, and so this can modulate an individual's susceptibility to lung cancer. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the association of the TGF-β1 −509C > T and 869T > C (L10P) polymorphisms and their haplotypes with the risk of lung cancer in a Korean population.MethodsThe TGF-β1 genotypes were determined in 432 lung cancer patients and in 432 healthy control subjects who were frequency-matched for age and gender. The TGF-β1 haplotypes were predicted using a Bayesian algorithm in the Phase program.Results