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Review
. 2023 Dec 15;13(12):5805-5824.
eCollection 2023.

MiRNA signatures in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives

Yan Chen  1 , Ting Lin  2   3 , Le Tang  1   2 , Lan He  2   4 , Yingchun He  1   2   3
Affiliations
Review

MiRNA signatures in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives

Yan Chen et al. Am J Cancer Res. .

Abstract

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a prevalent cancerous tumor that affects the head and neck region. Recent studies have provided compelling evidence indicating the significant involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the development and progression of NPC. This review aims to present a comprehensive summary of the current knowledge regarding miRNA signatures in NPC, encompassing their expression patterns, molecular mechanisms, and potential therapeutic implications. Initially, the article outlines the aberrant expression of miRNAs in NPC and elucidates their roles in tumor initiation, invasion, and metastasis. Subsequently, the underlying molecular mechanisms of miRNA-mediated regulation of NPC-associated signaling pathways are discussed. Additionally, the review highlights the potential clinical applications of miRNAs as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as their therapeutic potential in NPC treatment. In conclusion, this review underscores the critical involvement of miRNAs in NPC pathogenesis and underscores their promise as novel therapeutic targets for combating this devastating disease.

Keywords: miRNA-based diagnosis and therapeutic; miRNAs; molecular mechanisms; nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

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Conflict of interest statement

None.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Functional mechanisms of miRNAs. POL II: RNA polymerase II, Pri-miRNA: primary miRNA, Drosha and DGCR8: Microprocessor complex, Pre-miRNA: precursor miRNA, XPO5: exportin-5, Dicer: Dicer enzyme complex, RISC complex: the RNA-induced silencing complex, Ago: Argonaute proteins.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Regulatory pathway diagram of miRNAs in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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