Low GOPC mRNA expression is a novel candidate associated with increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a genetically heterogeneous malignant hematopoietic disorder, and research continues to update its genetic drivers. Golgi-associated PDZ and coiled-coil motif-containing (GOPC) is a signaling protein implicated in regulating cellular trafficking of transmembrane proteins. Recent research has shown that the gene encoding GOPC exhibits dysregulated expression in colorectal cancer. In AML, the significance of GOPC expression in disease risk and pathogenesis has not been explored. Therefore, a case-control study was conducted to evaluate GOPC mRNA expression in a cohort of 100 AML patients and 100 controls. GOPC expression was quantified using a reverse transcription-quantitative PCR-based fold change method (2 –ΔCt ). Statistical data management included receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, disease-risk assessment, and assessment of correlation with AML characteristics. Results revealed that GOPC expression levels (median [interquartile range: 25–75 %]) were significantly decreased in patients compared to controls (0.04 [0.02–0.14] vs. 0.73 [0.18–1.16]; probability <0.001). ROC curve analysis demonstrated the reliability of GOPC expression in distinguishing between AML patients and controls (area under the curve = 0.91; probability <0.001). Disease-risk assessment indicated that low GOPC expression was linked to a 16.15-fold increased risk of AML. GOPC expression was not affected by clinical and genetic characteristics of AML or chemotherapy and was not correlated with diagnostic laboratory criteria . In conclusion, GOPC mRNA expression was down-regulated in AML and was not affected by the patient's clinical, genetic, or laboratory characteristics. Low GOPC expression may be considered a potential risk factor for AML. • GOPC mRNA expression was markedly down-regulated in AML patients. • GOPC mRNA expression is a reliable prognostic marker for AML. • Low GOPC mRNA expression is associated with an increased risk of AML.