SMG7 – Prostate Cancer

SMG7 (HGNC:16792) has emerged as a gene of interest in prostate cancer (MONDO_0008315) through evidence from genetic association studies. Two independent cohorts have provided data linking variants in SMG7 with prostate-cancer–specific survival outcomes, suggesting that alterations in this gene may affect the progression of the disease (PMID:30289108, PMID:35511739).

The overall clinical validity of the SMG7–prostate cancer association is considered Moderate. In one study, a cohort of 1,298 prostate cancer patients was evaluated, and the SMG7 SNP rs2702185 was found to be associated with the time from biochemical recurrence to prostate cancer death (PMID:35511739). This replication across independent patient groups reinforces the reliability of the genetic association.

Genetic evidence supports the involvement of SMG7 in prostate cancer survival. Although the identified variant is reported as rs2702185 and does not have a corresponding HGVS c. nomenclature in the available evidence, its association reached suggestive significance (p < 1×10^-6) and was replicated in separate analyses (PMID:30289108; PMID:35511739). No additional family segregation data has been reported, yet the replicated findings in these sizable cohorts enhance its clinical relevance.

Functional studies, though not directly addressing prostate cancer, have characterized SMG7 as a critical adaptor protein in the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) pathway. The crystal structure study revealed that SMG7 contains a 14-3-3–like domain important for binding phosphoserine-containing peptides, supporting its biological importance (PMID:15721257). However, direct functional assessments linking SMG7’s molecular role to prostate cancer progression are currently limited.

While no conflicting studies have been identified, the existing data underscore a need for additional research. More comprehensive functional assays and studies in diverse populations will be essential to elucidate the mechanism by which SMG7 variants influence prostate cancer outcomes.

Key take‑home: The moderate association of SMG7 variants with prostate-cancer–specific survival positions this gene as a potential prognostic marker, thereby supporting its emerging utility in clinical decision‑making and future therapeutic development.

References

• European urology • 2018 • Genome-wide Scan Identifies Role for AOX1 in Prostate Cancer Survival PMID:30289108
• Cancer epidemiology, biomarkers & prevention • 2022 • SNPs at SMG7 Associated with Time from Biochemical Recurrence to Prostate Cancer Death PMID:35511739
• Molecular cell • 2005 • SMG7 is a 14-3-3-like adaptor in the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway PMID:15721257

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