MicroRNA Dynamics in Cervical Cancer Progression

The progression of cervical cancer is governed not only by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection but also by complex post-transcriptional regulation mediated by microRNAs (miRNAs). These small non-coding RNAs fine-tune the expression of oncogenes and tumour suppressors, thereby influencing key hallmarks of malignancy such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis, invasion and metastatic dissemination. Dysregulated oncomiRNAs, including miR-21 and miR-155, promote survival pathways and inhibit pro-apoptotic factors, while loss of tumour-suppressive miRNAs such as miR-143, miR-145 and miR-218 unleashes epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and enhances migratory capacity. Signalling cascades commonly altered by miRNA imbalance include JAK/STAT, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin and MAPK pathways, which together orchestrate tumour growth and treatment resistance. Moreover, extracellular vesicles or exosomes shuttle miRNAs between tumour cells and the microenvironment, amplifying inflammatory circuits and immune evasion. Advances in profiling technologies have revealed stage-specific miRNA signatures in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and invasive carcinoma, underscoring their potential as minimally invasive biomarkers. Therapeutic strategies focused on miRNA mimics or inhibitors are emerging to restore regulatory networks and sensitise tumours to chemoradiation. Understanding the dynamic interplay of oncomiRs and tumour-suppressive miRNAs unveils new avenues for early detection, prognostic stratification and targeted intervention in cervical cancer.

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MicroRNA Dynamics in Cervical Cancer Progression publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna dynamics in cervical cancer progression across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

MicroRNA (miRNA): Small non-coding RNA molecules (~22 nucleotides) that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally by targeting mRNA.

OncomiRNA: A microRNA whose overexpression promotes oncogenic processes such as proliferation and metastasis.

Tumour suppressor miRNA: A microRNA that inhibits tumour development by repressing oncogenes or survival pathways.

JAK/STAT pathway: A signalling cascade activated by cytokines and growth factors that regulates gene transcription involved in proliferation and immunity.

Exosome: A membrane-bound extracellular vesicle that transports proteins, lipids and nucleic acids, including miRNAs, between cells.

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT): A cellular programme whereby epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal traits, increasing motility and invasiveness.

Human papillomavirus (HPV): A DNA virus that infects epithelial tissues and is the principal etiological agent in cervical carcinogenesis.

References

1. A microRNA Profile Regulates Inflammation-Related Signaling Pathways in Young Women with Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer. Cells (2024).
2. Understanding the role of miRNAs in cervical cancer pathogenesis and therapeutic responses. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology (2024).
3. Pathogenic role of exosomes and microRNAs in HPV‐mediated inflammation and cervical cancer: A review. International Journal of Cancer (2019).
4. MicroRNA in Cervical Cancer: OncomiRs and Tumor Suppressor miRs in Diagnosis and Treatment. The Scientific World JOURNAL (2014).
5. The microRNA-218~Survivin axis regulates migration, invasion, and lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer. Oncotarget (2014).
6. Ultra-high throughput sequencing-based small RNA discovery and discrete statistical biomarker analysis in a collection of cervical tumours and matched controls. BMC Biology (2010).