Role of H. pylori infection on modulation of miRNAs associated with Wnt/b-catenin pathway

Abstract

It is known that H. pylori infection triggers a pathological progression in gastric mucosa which eventually culminates in the development of gastric cancer. Inevitably, the infection causes an inflammatory response in the host, which generates reactive species of oxygen and nitrogen, which can cause protein alterations, damage to cell membranes and oxidation to the DNA molecule, which are known to be important steps in the development of gastric cancer. In addition, there is evidence in the literature and obtained by our research group, showing that H. pylori infection is directly linked to a reduction in the efficiency of DNA repair mechanisms, which would favor the accumulation of mutations and genomic instability, favoring the genesis of gastric cancer. Some recent studies have shown the importance of regulation of oncogenic Wnt pathway/b-catenin and its downstream targets in various types of cancer. However, the association between genes and targets of the Wnt/b-catenin in the DNA repair pathways are still poorly explored. Taking into account the importance of epigenetic alterations in posttranscriptional level by microRNAs (miRNA), on the regulation of expression of genes involved in various stages of carcinogenesis. And considering that the H. pylori infection could modulate the expression of miRNAs, we intend to evaluate the association of H. pylori infection in modulating the expression of miRNAs associated with the Wnt/b-catenin.