Einar Elvbakken Birkeland

• Istvan, Paula; Birkeland, Einar Elvbakken; Avershina, Ekaterina; Kværner, Ane Sørlie; Bemanian, Vahid & Pardini, Barbara [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2024). Exploring the gut DNA virome in fecal immunochemical test stool samples reveals associations with lifestyle in a large population-based study. Nature Communications. ISSN 2041-1723. 15(1), p. 1–12. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-46033-0. Full text in Research Archive
• Birkeland, Einar Elvbakken; Ferrero, Giulio; Pardini, Barbara; Umu, Sinan Ugur; Tarallo, Sonia & Bulfamante, Sara [Show all 10 contributors for this article] (2023). Profiling small RNAs in fecal immunochemical tests: is it possible? Molecular Cancer. ISSN 1476-4598. 22:161(1), p. 1–7. doi: 10.1186/s12943-023-01869-w. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Fecal microRNAs represent promising molecules with potential clinical interest as non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening based on the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) is an effective tool for prevention of cancer development. However, due to the poor sensitivity of FIT especially for premalignant lesions, there is a need for implementation of complementary tests. Improving the identification of individuals who would benefit from further investigation with colonoscopy using molecular analysis, such as miRNA profiling of FIT samples, would be ideal due to their widespread use. In the present study, we assessed the feasibility of applying small RNA sequencing to measure human miRNAs in FIT leftover buffer in samples from two European screening populations. We showed robust detection of miRNAs with profiles similar to those obtained from specimens sampled using the established protocol of RNA stabilizing buffers, or in long-term archived samples. Detected miRNAs exhibited differential abundances for CRC, advanced adenoma, and control samples that were consistent for FIT and RNA-stabilizing buffers. Interestingly, the sequencing data also allowed for concomitant evaluation of small RNA-based microbial profiles. We demonstrated that it is possible to explore the human miRNome in FIT leftover samples across populations and envision that the analysis of small RNA biomarkers can complement the FIT in large scale screening settings.

• Bucher-Johannessen, Cecilie; Birkeland, Einar Elvbakken; Vinberg, Elina; Bemanian, Vahid; Hoff, Geir Svein & Berstad, Paula [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2023). Long-term follow-up of colorectal cancer screening attendees identifies differences in Phascolarctobacterium spp. using 16S rRNA and metagenome sequencing. Frontiers in Oncology. ISSN 2234-943X. 13. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1183039. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Background: The microbiome has been implicated in the initiation and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) in cross-sectional studies. However, there is a lack of studies using prospectively collected samples. Methods: From the Norwegian Colorectal Cancer Prevention (NORCCAP) trial, we analyzed 144 archived fecal samples from participants who were diagnosed with CRC or high-risk adenoma (HRA) at screening and from participants who remained cancer-free during 17 years of follow-up. We performed 16S rRNA sequencing of all the samples and metagenome sequencing on a subset of 47 samples. Differences in taxonomy and gene content between outcome groups were assessed for alpha and beta diversity and differential abundance. Results: Diversity and composition analyses showed no significant differences between CRC, HRA, and healthy controls. Phascolarctobacterium succinatutens was more abundant in CRC compared with healthy controls in both the 16S and metagenome data. The abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lachnospiraceae spp. was associated with time to CRC diagnosis. Conclusion: Using a longitudinal study design, we identified three taxa as being potentially associated with CRC. These should be the focus of further studies of microbial changes occurring prior to CRC diagnosis.

• Kværner, Ane Sørlie; Birkeland, Einar Elvbakken; Vinberg, Elina; Hoff, Geir; Hjartåker, Anette & Rounge, Trine Ballestad [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2022). Associations of red and processed meat intake with screen-detected colorectal lesions. British Journal of Nutrition. ISSN 0007-1145. p. 1–36. doi: 10.1017/S0007114522002860. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  Limited data exist regarding the role of meat consumption in early-stage colorectal carcinogenesis. We examined associations of red and processed meat intake with screen-detected colorectal lesions in immunochemical fecal occult blood test (FIT)-positive participants, enrolled in the Norwegian CRCbiome study during 2017-2021, aged 55-77 years. Absolute and energy-adjusted intakes of red and processed meat (combined and individually) were assessed using a validated, semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Associations between meat intake and screen-detected colorectal lesions were examined using multinomial logistic regression analyses with adjustment for key covariates. Of 1,162 participants with available dietary data, 319 (27%) presented with advanced colorectal lesions at colonoscopy. High vs low energy-adjusted intakes of red and processed meat combined, as well as red meat alone, were borderline to significantly positively associated with advanced colorectal lesions (ORs (95% CIs) of 1.24 (0.98, 1.57) and 1.34 (1.07, 1.69), respectively). A significant dose-response-relationship was also observed for absolute intake levels (OR (95% CI) of 1.32 (1.09, 1.60) per 100 g/day increase in red and processed meat). For processed meat, no association was observed between energy-adjusted intakes and advanced colorectal lesions. A significant positive association was, however, observed for the small proportion of participants (10%) with absolute intake levels ≥100 vs <50 g/day (OR (95% CI) of 1.19 (1.09, 1.31)). In summary, high intakes of red and processed meat were associated with presence of advanced colorectal lesions at colonoscopy in FIT-positive participants. The study demonstrates a potential role of using dietary data to improve the performance of FIT-based screening.

• Kværner, Ane Sørlie; Birkeland, Einar Elvbakken; Bucher-Johannessen, Cecilie; Vinberg, Elina; Nordby, Jan Inge & Kangas, Harri [Show all 27 contributors for this article] (2021). The CRCbiome study: a large prospective cohort study examining the role of lifestyle and the gut microbiome in colorectal cancer screening participants. BMC Cancer. ISSN 1471-2407. 21. doi: 10.1186/s12885-021-08640-8. Full text in Research Archive
• Aakko, Sofia; Straume, Anne Hege; Birkeland, Einar Elvbakken; Chen, Ping; Qiao, Xi & Lønning, Per Eystein [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2019). MYC-induced miR-203b-3p and miR-203a-3p control Bcl-xL expression and paclitaxel sensitivity in tumor cells. Translational Oncology. ISSN 1944-7124. 12(1), p. 170–179. doi: 10.1016/j.tranon.2018.10.001. Full text in Research Archive
• Birkeland, Einar Elvbakken; Zhang, Shan; Poduval, Deepak; Geisler, Jürgen; Nakken, Sigve & Vodak, Daniel [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2018). Patterns of genomic evolution in advanced melanoma. Nature Communications. ISSN 2041-1723. 9:2665, p. 1–12. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-05063-1. Full text in Research Archive
• Gansmo, Liv Beathe; Bjørnslett, Merete Pauline; Halle, Mari Kyllesø; Salvesen, Helga; Dørum, Anne & Birkeland, Einar Elvbakken [Show all 11 contributors for this article] (2016). The MDM4 SNP34091 (rs4245739) C-allele is associated with increased risk of ovarian—but not endometrial cancer. Tumour Biology. ISSN 1010-4283. 37(8), p. 10697–10702. doi: 10.1007/s13277-016-4940-2. Full text in Research Archive Show summary

  The MDM4 protein (also known as MDMX or HDMX) is a negative regulator of p53, not only by direct interaction but also through its interaction with MDM2. Further, MDM4 overexpression and amplification have been observed in several cancer forms. Recently, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the 3’ untranslated region of the MDM4 gene, SNP34091A > C (rs4245739) was reported to alter MDM4 messenger RNA (mRNA) stability by modulating a microRNA binding site, thereby leading to decreased MDM4 levels. In this case-control study, we aimed to evaluate the possible association between MDM4 SNP34091 status and cancer risk by comparing the genotype frequencies in large hospital-based cohorts of endometrial- (n = 1404) and ovarian (n = 1385) cancer patients with healthy female controls (n = 1870). Genotype frequencies were compared by odds ratio (OR) estimates and Fisher exact tests. We found that individuals harboring the MDM4 SNP34091AC/CC genotypes had a significantly elevated risk for serous ovarian cancer (SOC) in general and high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) in particular (SOC: OR = 1.18., 95 % CI = 1.01–1.39; HGSOC: OR = 1.25, CI = 1.02–1.53). No association between SNP34091 genotypes and endometrial cancer risk was observed. Our data indicate the MDM4 SNP34091AC/CC genotypes to be associated with an elevated risk for SOC and in particular the HGSOC type.

• Gansmo, Liv Beathe; Romundstad, Pål Richard; Birkeland, Einar Elvbakken; Hveem, Kristian; Vatten, Lars Johan & Knappskog, Stian [Show all 7 contributors for this article] (2015). MDM4 SNP34091 (rs4245739) and its effect on breast-, colon-, lung-, and prostate cancer risk. Cancer Medicine. ISSN 2045-7634. 4(12), p. 1901–1907. doi: 10.1002/cam4.555. Full text in Research Archive
• Birkeland, Einar Elvbakken; Busch, Christian; Berge, Elisabet Ognedal; Geisler, Jürgen; Jonsson, Göran & Lillehaug, Johan R. [Show all 8 contributors for this article] (2013). Low BRAF and NRAS expression levels are associated with clinical benefit from DTIC therapy and prognosis in metastatic melanoma. Clinical and Experimental Metastasis. ISSN 0262-0898. 30(7), p. 867–876. doi: 10.1007/s10585-013-9587-4.

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• Avershina, Ekaterina; Birkeland, Einar Elvbakken; Berstad, Paula; Hoff, Geir Svein & Rounge, Trine Ballestad (2022). Total neoplastic polyp volume is correlated to several bacterial taxa in faecal immunochemical test-positive CRC-screening participants.
• Avershina, Ekaterina; Birkeland, Einar Elvbakken; Berstad, Paula; Hoff, Geir Svein & Rounge, Trine Ballestad (2022). Total neoplastic polyp volume is correlated to several bacterial taxa in faecal immunochemical test-positive CRC-screening participants.
• Birkeland, Einar Elvbakken; Kværner, Ane Sørlie; Istvan, Paula; Bermanian, Vahid; Bucher-Johannessen, Cecilie & Avershina, Ekaterina [Show all 9 contributors for this article] (2022). The microbiome in fecal immunochemical tests from colorectal cancer screening participants – can it be used as a screening biomarker?
• Istvan, Paula; Birkeland, Einar Elvbakken; Rognes, Torbjørn & Rounge, Trine Ballestad (2021). Profiling gut viruses from metagenomes of Bowel Cancer Screening participants.
• Birkeland, Einar Elvbakken; Lønning, Per Eystein & Knappskog, Stian (2018). Genomic evolution and therapy resistance in melanoma and breast cancer. Universitetet i Bergen. ISSN 978-82-308-3806-8.

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