Abstract 5594: Exploring genetic determinants: A comprehensive analysis of SERPINB family variants and prognosis in Jordanian glioblastoma multiforme patients
Authors: Al-Khatib Sohaib , Almajali Mohammad Nitham , Al-Bzour Ayah , Al-Ramadneh Joud , Sa'd Laila , Othman Noor 
Published: March 2024

Background: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a major concern with high fatality rate. In Jordan, the incidence of GBM has notably increased, emphasizing the urgency for population-specific research. Serpins are serine proteinase inhibitors, with several Serpins being overexpressed in cancer cells however the exact mechanism by which they affect GBM progression remains unclear. Thus, we aim to analyze the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of SERPINB11 and its association with GBM survival.

Methods: A cohort of 63 GBM patients recruited from King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH) in Jordan, underwent genomic DNA extraction, polymorphism analysis, and overall survival (OS) assessments. The Serpin B family were validated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-GBM) cohort of 160 patients. We constructed a risk-score using the principal component analysis for the following Serpin genes: Serpinb3, Serpinb5, Serpinb6, Serpinb11, and Serpinb12, and patients were grouped into high- vs. low-risk based on median cutoff. Univariable Cox models were used to study the survival outcomes, differential expression analysis between the high- and low-risk groups was carried out to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), gene ontology (GO and tumor microenvironment analyses were carried out.

Results: In our primary cohort, we identified a significant association between rs4940595 (SERPINB11) SNP and survival, with the G/T- genotype showing worse prognosis compared to the G/G-T/T genotype in the over dominant model (HR: 2.75, 95% CI: 1.29-5.88, p-value=0.009). In the TCGA validation-cohort, alterations in the SERPINB3gene showed significantly worse OS (Median: 9.53 vs. 14.3, p-value=0.044) compared to the no alteration group. Univariable Cox showed worse PFS outcomes with higher SERPINB5 (HR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.15-2.43, p-value=0.007) and SERPINB6 expression (HR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.06-1.96, p-value=0.021). A Serpin B 5-gene risk score was constructed revealing significant association with IDH mutation status and a trend towards worse PFS in the high-risk group. Upregulated DEGs showed GO enrichment in cytokine regulation and production, positive regulation of leukocyte activation and MAPK cascade. While the downregulated DEGs were enriched in forebrain development, and negative regulation of neuron differentiation. The high-risk group showed a significantly higher infiltration of M2 macrophages and activated mast cells.

Conclusion: Our findings showed a significant role of the Serpin B family with GBM survival in the Jordanian population. Molecular analyses showed potential mechanisms underlying these associations. Our exploration of SERPINB family and associated SNPs provides valuable insights into the molecular landscape of GBM, paving the way for potential targeted interventions and personalized treatment strategies.

Citation Format: Sohaib Al-Khatib, Mohammad Nitham Almajali, Ayah Al-Bzour, Joud Al-Ramadneh, Laila Sa'd, Noor Othman. Exploring genetic determinants: A comprehensive analysis of SERPINB family variants and prognosis in Jordanian glioblastoma multiforme patients [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 5594.