MicroRNA Deregulations in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Dan Chen1, Robert J Cabay2, Yi Jin3

  • 1Center for Molecular Biology of Oral Diseases, College of Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, Illinois USA. ; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University Guangzhou, Guangdong China.

Abstract

Insights

MicroRNA deregulation is a significant factor in head and neck/oral cancer (HNOC) development. This review highlights key microRNAs involved in HNOC initiation and progression.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Genomics
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Head and neck/oral cancer (HNOC), primarily head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), is a global health concern.
  • Genomic alterations are crucial in HNOC, but research often overlooks non-coding genes like microRNAs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on genomic aberrations of non-coding genes, specifically microRNAs, in HNOC.
  • To understand the role of microRNA deregulation in the initiation and progression of HNOC.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and Scopus.
  • Searches focused on microRNAs and their deregulation in HNSCC and oral cavity carcinogenesis.
  • Inclusion criteria were full-length English articles.

Main Results:

  • A panel of consistently deregulated microRNAs in HNSCC was identified, including upregulated (miR-21, miR-7, miR-155, miR-130b, miR-223, miR-34b) and downregulated (miR-100, miR-99a, miR-125b, miR-375) examples.
  • The review discusses the functional significance of these and other relevant microRNAs (e.g., miR-138, miR-98, miR-137, miR-193a, miR-218) in HNSCC.

Conclusions:

  • MicroRNA deregulation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of head and neck/oral cancer.
  • Further research into microRNA functions can offer new therapeutic strategies for HNOC.

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