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MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as A Novel Detection and Quantification Method
Published on: October 7, 2025
microRNAs in oral cancer: Moving from bench to bed as next generation medicine
1Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bengalore 560012, India.
Abstract:
Oral cancer is the thirteenth most common cancer in the world, with India contributing to 33% of the global burden. Lack of specific non-invasive markers, non-improvement in patient survival and tumor recurrence remain a major clinical challenge in oral cancer. Epigenetic regulation in the form of microRNAs (miRs) that act as tumor suppressor miRs or oncomiRs has gained significant momentum with the advancement in the field, suggesting the potential for clinical application of miRs in oral cancer. The current review of literature identified miR-21, miR-27a(-3p), miR-31, miR-93, miR-134, miR-146, miR-155, miR-196a, miR-196b, miR-211, miR-218, miR-222, miR-372 and miR-373 to be up-regulated and let-7a, let-7b, let-7c, let-7d, let-7e, let-7f, let-7g, let-7i, miR-26a, miR-99a-5p, miR-137, miR-139-5p, miR-143-3p, miR-184 and miR-375 to be down-regulated in oral cancer. Mechanistic studies have uncovered several miRs that are deregulated at varying levels and in different stages of oral cancer progression, thus providing clinical utility in better diagnosis as well as usefulness in prognosis by identifying patients with poor prognosis or stratifying patients based on responsiveness to chemo- and radio-therapy. Lastly, exogenous modulation of miR expression using miRNA-based drugs in combination with first-line agents may be adopted as a new therapeutic modality to treat oral cancer. Knowledge of miRs and their involvement in key molecular processes, clinical association, responsiveness to therapy and clinical advancement may highlight additional avenues in order to improve patient morbidity and mortality. Furthermore, combinatorial approaches with miR-therapy may be efficacious in oral cancer.
Insights
MicroRNAs (miRs) show promise for oral cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Dysregulated miRs can be targeted for novel therapeutic strategies, potentially improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Epigenetics
Background:
- Oral cancer presents a significant global health challenge, particularly in India, with limited diagnostic markers and poor survival rates.
- Epigenetic modifications, specifically microRNAs (miRs), are emerging as critical regulators in oral cancer development and progression.
- Current therapeutic strategies for oral cancer have not significantly improved patient survival or reduced tumor recurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current literature on the role of microRNAs in oral cancer.
- To identify specific microRNAs that are dysregulated in oral cancer and explore their potential as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of targeting microRNAs in oral cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of studies investigating microRNA expression in oral cancer.
- Analysis of identified microRNAs for their up-regulation or down-regulation in oral cancer tissues and cells.
- Examination of mechanistic studies detailing the role of microRNAs in oral cancer progression and therapeutic response.
Main Results:
- A list of up-regulated microRNAs (e.g., miR-21, miR-155) and down-regulated microRNAs (e.g., let-7 family, miR-375) in oral cancer was identified.
- Dysregulated microRNAs are implicated in various stages of oral cancer progression, offering potential for improved diagnosis and prognosis.
- Specific microRNAs can predict patient prognosis and responsiveness to chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Conclusions:
- MicroRNAs are significantly deregulated in oral cancer and hold potential as valuable biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis.
- Targeting microRNA expression through miRNA-based drugs, potentially in combination with existing therapies, represents a promising new therapeutic avenue for oral cancer.
- Further research into microRNA's molecular roles and clinical applications is crucial for improving oral cancer patient morbidity and mortality.
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