A let-7 KRAS rs712 polymorphism increases colorectal cancer risk

Growing evidence has indicated that polymorphism present in the miRNA binding site of target gene can alter the ability of miRNAs to bind its target gene and modulate the development and progression of cancer. We aimed to investigate the association between let-7 KRAS rs712 polymorphism and the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). The let-7 KRAS rs712 was analyzed in a case–control study, including 339 CRC patients and 313 age- and sex-matched controls; the relationship between the polymorphism and the clinicopathological features of CRC was also examined. Individuals carrying the let-7 KRAS rs712 TT genotype and T allele had an increased risk of developing CRC (TT vs. GG, adjusted OR = 2.18; 95 % CI, 1.00–4.77; T vs. G, adjusted OR = 1.50; 95 % CI, 1.15–1.96). Stratified analyses revealed that CRC patients with the let-7 KRAS rs712 TT genotype were more likely to have clinical stage III or IV disease (OR = 3.29, 95 % CI, 1.32–8.20) and distant metastasis (OR = 4.70, 95 % CI, 1.81–12.25). These findings provide evidence that the let-7 KRAS rs712 polymorphism may play crucial roles in the etiology of CRC.