Genetic Variants Related to Longer Telomere Length are Associated with Increased Risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma
Abstract
Background: Relative telomere length in peripheral blood leukocytes has been evaluated as a potential biomarker for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk in several studies, with conflicting findings. Objective: We performed an analysis of genetic variants associated with leukocyte telomere length to assess the relationship between telomere length and RCC risk using Mendelian randomization, an approach unaffected by biases from temporal variability and reverse causation that might have affected earlier investigations.
Conclusions: Our investigation adds to the growing body of evidence indicating some aspect of longer telomere length is important for RCC risk. Patient summary: Telomeres are segments of DNA at chromosome ends that maintain chromosomal stability.
Our study investigated the relationship between genetic variants associated with telomere length and renal cell carcinoma risk. We found evidence suggesting individuals with inherited predisposition to longer telomere length are at increased risk of developing renal cell carcinoma.