Unraveling the role of miRNAs in the diagnosis, progression, and drug resistance of oral cancer

Pathol Res Pract. 2024 Jan:253:155027. doi: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155027. Epub 2023 Dec 11.

Abstract

Oral cancer (OC) is a widely observed neoplasm on a global scale. Over time, there has been an increase in both its fatality and incidence rates. Oral cancer metastasis is a complex process that involves a number of cellular mechanisms, including invasion, migration, proliferation, and escaping from malignant tissue through either lymphatic or vascular channels. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a crucial class of short non-coding RNAs recognized as significant modulators of diverse cellular processes and exert a pivotal influence on the carcinogenesis pathway, functioning either as tumor suppressors or as oncogenes. It has been shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) have a role in metastasis at several stages, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion, and colonization. This regulation is achieved by targeting key genes involved in these pathways by miRNAs. This paper aims to give a contemporary analysis of OC, focusing on its molecular genetics. The current literature and emerging advancements in miRNA dysregulation in OC are thoroughly examined. This project would advance OC diagnosis, prognosis, therapy, and therapeutic implications.

Keywords: Diagnosis; Drug resistance; MiRNA; OC; Oral cancer; Prognosis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Carcinogenesis / genetics
  • Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / genetics
  • Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs* / metabolism
  • Mouth Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Mouth Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Oncogenes

Substances

  • MicroRNAs