Role of FTO gene polymorphisms in Wilms tumor predisposition: A five-center case-control study

Background Wilms tumor is the most frequently occurring renal malignancy in pediatrics. The FTO gene exhibits a featured genetic contribution to cancer development. Nonetheless, its single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) contribution to Wilms tumor remains unknown. Methods In the present study, 402 Wilms tumor patients and 1198 healthy controls were successfully genotyped for FTO gene SNPs (rs1477196 G>A, rs9939609 T>A, rs7206790 C>G and rs8047395 A>G) using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), generated from unconditional logistic regression, were applied to quantify the effects of FTO gene SNPs on Wilms tumor risk. Results We found that the rs8047395 A>G polymorphism was significantly correlated with an increased risk for Wilms tumor (GG versus AA/AG: adjusted OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.04-1.85, p = 0.027). Carriers with 1 and 1-2 risk genotypes are more susceptible of developing Wilms tumor than those without risk genotypes. Stratified analysis of rs8047395 and risk genotypes revealed more significant relationships with Wilms tumor risk in certain subgroups. Preliminary functional annotations revealed that the rs8047395 A allele increases expression levels of the FTO gene as determined by expression quantitative trait locus analysis. Conclusions The present study provides evidence that rs8047395 may regulate FTO gene expression and thus confer susceptibility to Wilms tumor. The candidate FTO gene rs8047395 A>G polymorphism identified in this study warrants independent investigation.