An extensive European collaboration work has describe a previously unreported genetic association of gastric cancer with microRNA clusters in chromosomes 7 and X that include miR-25, miR-29, miR-93 and miR-106. These microRNAs have been identified  as novel genetic susceptibility factors for gastric cancer, thus supporting their role in gastric carcinogénesis. Yolanda Espinosa is the fist autor of this study published in International Journal of Cancer.

Even though deregulation of miRNA expression has been associated with human cancers, the contribution of miRNAs to cáncer genetic susceptibility is unclear. Here the authors designed a panel of 133 SNPs tagging 104 candidate miRNA genes and analysed their association with gastric cancer (GC). They describe an unreported significant genetic association of GC with miRNA clusters in chromosomes 7 and X including miR-29, miR-25, miR-93, and miR-106. These miRNAs have been previously involved in the pathophysiology of GC and have functionally validated target genes implicated in cancer-related processes.

The data suggest these miRNAs as novel genetic susceptibility factors for GC. The article is an output of the EPIC-EURGAST study  and has involved  researchers from 24th European Institutions . The European Commission "Europe Against Cancer" Programme substantially supported EPIC financially. Additionally, each centre receives local financial support.

Ref article:  Espinosa-Parrilla et al. Genetic association of gastric cancer with miRNA clusters including the cancer-related genes MIR29, MIR25, MIR93 and MIR106: Results from the EPIC-EURGAST studyInt. J. Cancer: 00, 00-00 (2014) VC 2014 UICC. DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28850