The emerging role of miR-362 in cancer: expression and function across different cancer types

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are essential post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression involved in a broad range of biological activities. Recent studies have increasingly highlighted their significant role in the development and progression of various human cancers. Among these, miR-362 has emerged as a context-dependent molecule, exhibiting both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive functions across different malignancies. Elevated levels of miR-362 have been associated to tumor-promoting effects in several cancers. In contrast, its downregulation in some other carcinoma is associated with disease progression, suggesting a tumor-suppressive role. These opposing functions underscore miR-362 involvement in complex regulatory networks and supports its potential as a biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis, and possibly therapeutic intervention. This review aims to provide an overview of the current understanding of miR-362 expression patterns, molecular targets, regulatory mechanisms, and its dual role in cancer biology, with the goal of clarifying its clinical significance in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.