Cancer Associated Mutations of POLB: Machine Learning and Bioinformatics Data Search

Abstract

DNA damage plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of cancer. The occurrence of DNA damage results in an upsurge of genetic mutations, thereby necessitating the activation of DNA repair mechanisms. An essential participant in the base excision repair pathway, which contributes to preserving genome stability, is a specific enzyme known as DNA Polymerase b (Pol b). Pol b is generated by the POLB gene and plays a critical function in the restoration of DNA damage. Furthermore, Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) occurring in the POLB gene can potentially impact DNA repair efficiency. Hence, this research utilizes 3 bioinformatics tools to extract 18 significant characteristics from SNPs and create a comprehensive profile for each SNP. This profile is subsequently employed alongside 8 machine learning algorithms to forecast the probability of cancer development linked to a particular mutation. Through the application of these methodologies, the research endeavors to acquire a deeper understanding of the potential influence of POLB gene variations on DNA repair efficacy, and thereby, the associated risk of cancer occurrence.

Date of Award	Aug 2023
Original language	American English
Supervisor	Maher Maalouf (Supervisor)