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Updated: Apr 21, 2026
Isolation and Characterization of a Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Subpopulation Having Stem Cell Characteristics
Published on: May 11, 2016
Evaluation of non-coding RNAs as potential targets in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cancer stem cells
Elham Rahimy, Selena Z Kuo, Weg M Ongkeko1
1VA San Diego Healthcare System, West Wing, Room 6029, Mail Code 9151, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA. wongkeko@ucsd.edu.
Abstract:
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer in the world and has not seen improved survival rates over the past few decades. Current treatment plans include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, but these are relatively ineffective options for recurrent or metastatic tumors. Therefore, there is a high priority for new therapies that specifically target the resistant HNSCC cancer stem cells (CSCs), a subpopulation responsible for tumor initiation and metastasis. Given their vast effects on gene expression and biological processes, including stem cell capabilities, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) have become a promising new repertoire of genes to investigate as potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets. This review presents a comprehensive overview of current investigative studies that can contribute to our understanding of the still tentative link between ncRNA and the biology of HNSCC cancer stem cells. In doing so, we aim to analyze the potential role of stem cell-related ncRNAs in the development of molecularly targeted cancer therapy for HNSCC. Although the majority of updated knowledge on HNSCC and ncRNA focuses heavily on microRNA, we chose to give considerable attention to the promise of other classes of ncRNAs (lncRNA, piRNA, and snoRNA), many of which are not yet well characterized or are yet to be discovered, and thus represent a potentially exciting and untapped pool of molecular targets or biomarkers in HNSCC therapy.
Insights
New therapies targeting head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cancer stem cells (CSCs) are crucial. Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) show promise as diagnostic and therapeutic targets for HNSCC, including less-studied types like lncRNAs, piRNAs, and snoRNAs.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a prevalent cancer with stagnant survival rates.
- Current treatments are often ineffective for recurrent or metastatic HNSCC.
- Cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive HNSCC initiation and metastasis, necessitating targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current research on the link between non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and HNSCC CSC biology.
- To analyze the potential of stem cell-related ncRNAs in developing targeted HNSCC therapies.
- To highlight the therapeutic promise of various ncRNA classes beyond microRNAs.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of investigative studies on ncRNAs and HNSCC CSCs.
- Analysis of existing data on microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) in HNSCC.
- Evaluation of the potential of these ncRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Main Results:
- Non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) significantly influence gene expression and biological processes relevant to stem cell capabilities.
- A tentative link exists between ncRNAs and HNSCC CSC biology, suggesting their role in tumor development.
- While microRNAs are well-studied, other ncRNAs (lncRNA, piRNA, snoRNA) represent an untapped resource for HNSCC therapy.
Conclusions:
- Stem cell-related ncRNAs are promising candidates for targeted molecular therapies in HNSCC.
- Further research into less-characterized ncRNAs could uncover novel biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for HNSCC.
- Targeting ncRNAs offers a potential avenue to overcome resistance in HNSCC treatment.
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