Whole-exome sequencing identifies <i>MST1R</i> as a genetic susceptibility gene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

Significance Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a valuable cancer model to study the interaction of host genetics, viral infection, and environment in tumorigenesis. Little is known about the genetic basis for the remarkably distinct geographical distribution of NPC. We used a whole-exome sequencing approach to identify the genetic alterations associated with NPC susceptibility and revealed a strong link between macrophage-stimulating 1 receptor ( MST1R ) and NPC early-age onset (age of ≤20 y). MST1R is critical for innate immunity and plays an important role for host defense against viral infection. We further discovered that an interaction network involved in the MST1R/14-3-3 complex was frequently deregulated by genetic alterations in NPC. Our findings provide new insights in the pathogenesis of NPC by highlighting the involvement of the MST1R-mediated signaling pathways.