Small biomarkers with massive impacts: PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling and microRNA crosstalk regulate nasopharyngeal...

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Genetics

Background:

• Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a prevalent head and neck malignancy, particularly in Southeast Asia.
• The Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial in NPC development, affecting proliferation, apoptosis, metastasis, and drug resistance.
• Alterations in key genes within the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway are observed in NPC.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the intricate interactions between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and microRNAs (miRNAs) in NPC.
• To elucidate the significance of these interactions in NPC pathology.
• To identify potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for NPC.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and miRNAs in NPC.
• Analysis of existing research on gene expression and pathway dysregulation in NPC.
• Synthesis of evidence regarding miRNA involvement in NPC pathogenesis.

Main Results:

• The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is frequently dysregulated in NPC, influencing key oncogenic processes.
• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) demonstrate significant interactions with components of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in NPC.
• Specific miRNA-pathway interactions are linked to NPC clinicopathological features.

Conclusions:

• The interplay between the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and miRNAs is pivotal in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
• Targeting these interactions presents promising avenues for novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for NPC.
• Further research into these molecular mechanisms can advance NPC treatment and patient outcomes.