Cyclin D1 G870A gene polymorphism and risk of leukemia and hepatocellular carcinoma: a meta-analysis.

Cyclin D1 (CCND1) is a key protein involved in cell-cycle regulation, and the CCND1 G870A polymorphism is associated with many types of malignancy. Studies examining the associations between this G870A polymorphism and susceptibility to leukemia and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have shown inconsistent results. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to clarify these associations. A search of the PubMed database yielded 7 relevant articles: 3 pertaining to leukemia and 4 to HCC. The odds ratios (ORs) from individual studies were pooled using a fixed or random-effect model. A significant association was observed between the CCND1 G870A variant and leukemia under the allele contrast model [P = 0.003, OR = 1.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15-1.95], the homozygote contrast model (P = 0.003, OR = 2.30, 95%CI = 1.34-3.96), and the recessive model (P = 0.002, OR = 2.03, 95%CI = 1.29-3.21). A significant association was observed between this variant and HCC under the recessive model (P = 0.0006, OR = 1.62, 95%CI = 1.23-2.14), the dominant model (P = 0.002, OR = 1.59, 95%CI = 1.19-2.14), the homozygote contrast model (P < 0.0001, OR = 2.06, 95%CI = 1.45-2.94), and the allele contrast model (P < 0.0001, OR = 1.43, 95%CI = 1.20-1.69). Our findings suggest that heritable CCND1 status may influence the risk of developing leukemia and HCC, and that more attention should be given to carriers of these susceptibility genes.

Influence of sugars and hormones on the genes involved in sucrose metabolism in maize endosperms.

Starch is the major storage product in the endosperm of cereals. Its synthesis is closely related to sucrose metabolism. In our previous study, we found that the expression of most of the genes involved in starch synthesis might be regulated by sugars and hormones in the maize endosperm. However, little is known regarding the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in sucrose metabolism. Thus, in this study, maize endosperms were treated with different sugars and hormones and the expression of genes involved in sucrose metabolism (including synthesis, degradation, and transport) were evaluated using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. We found that genes affected by different sugars and hormones were primarily regulated by abscisic acid. Sucrose and abscisic acid showed an additive effect on the expression of some genes. Differences in the transcriptional regulation of genes involved in sucrose metabolism and starch biosynthesis were observed.