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Micro RNA Dysregulation in Keratinocyte Carcinomas: Clinical Evidence, Functional Impact, and Future Directions

Jessica Conley1, Benjamin Genenger1, Bruce Ashford2,3

  • 1Molecular Horizons, School of Chemistry and Molecular Bioscience, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2500, Australia.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|August 10, 2024
PubMed

Insights

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) development. More consistent research combining clinical and experimental data is needed to understand their function and use as biomarkers for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Keratinocyte carcinomas, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), are the most prevalent human cancers.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly studied for their roles in KC pathogenesis, progression, and as potential therapeutic targets or biomarkers.
  • Current literature shows inconsistencies regarding specific miRNA involvement in BCC and cSCC biology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and assess the quality of clinical evidence for miRNA dysregulation in KCs.
  • To identify research gaps and provide recommendations for future studies.
  • To explore the functional impact of miRNAs in KC cell biology and their potential as biomarkers.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of clinical evidence on miRNA dysregulation in human cSCC and BCC.
  • Assessment of validation quality for miRNA studies.
  • Analysis of studies investigating miRNA targets and functional impact.
  • Exploration of miRNA roles in the tumor microenvironment and clinical utility.

Main Results:

  • Significant inconsistencies exist in the literature regarding specific miRNAs in cSCC and BCC.
  • Combined clinical and experimental miRNA studies offer more robust evidence than isolated approaches.
  • miRNA dysregulation can drive large-scale changes in tumor cell biology.
  • miRNAs are implicated in regulating diverse cellular functions.

Conclusions:

  • There is a critical need for more consistent, high-quality research combining clinical data with experimental validation of miRNA function in KCs.
  • Further investigation into miRNAs as intercellular communicators within the tumor microenvironment is warranted.
  • miRNAs hold promise as biomarkers for keratinocyte carcinoma prognosis and treatment, but require further validation.
Keywords:
basal cell carcinomacutaneous squamous cell carcinomakeratinocyte carcinomamiRNAmicro RNAnon-melanoma skin cancer

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