MAP kinase genes and colon and rectal cancer

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways regulate many cellular functions including cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis. We evaluate genetic variation in the c-Jun-N-terminal kinases, p38, and extracellular regulated kinases 1/2 MAPK-signaling pathways and colon and rectal cancer risk using data from population-based case-control studies (colon: n 1555 cases, 1956 controls; rectal: n 754 cases, 959 controls). We assess 19 genes (DUSP1, DUSP2, DUSP4, DUSP6, DUSP7, MAP2K1, MAP3K1, MAP3K2, MAP3K3, MAP3K7, MAP3K9, MAP3K10, MAP3K11, MAPK1, MAPK3, MAPK8, MAPK12, MAPK14 and RAF1). MAP2K1 rs8039880 [odds ratio (OR) 0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38, 0.83; GG versus AA genotype] and MAP3K9 rs11625206 (OR 1.41, 95% CI 1.14, 1.76; recessive model) were associated with colon cancer (P-adj value < 0.05). DUSP1 rs322351 (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.09, 1.88; TT versus CC) and MAPK8 rs10857561 (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.08, 2.03; AA versus GG/GA) were associated with rectal cancer (P-adj < 0.05). Aspirin/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, cigarette smoking and body mass index interacted with several genes to alter cancer risk. Genetic variants had unique associations with KRAS, TP53 and CIMP tumors. DUSP2 rs1724120 [hazard rate ratio (HRR) 0.72, 95%CI 0.54, 0.96; AA versus GG/GA), MAP3K10 rs112956 (HRR 1.40, 95% CI 1.10, 1.76; CT/TT versus CC) and MAP3K11 (HRR 1.76, 95% CI 1.18, 2.62 TT versus GG/GT) influenced survival after diagnosis with colon cancer; MAP2K1 rs8039880 (HRR 2.53, 95% CI 1.34, 4.79 GG versus AG/GG) and Raf1 rs11923427 (HRR 0.59 95% CI 0.40, 0.86; AA versus TT/TA) were associated with rectal cancer survival. These data suggest that genetic variation in the MAPK-signaling pathway influences colorectal cancer risk and survival after diagnosis. Associations may be modified by lifestyle factors that influence inflammation and oxidative stress.