MicroRNA Dynamics in Esophageal Cancer
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally and play pivotal roles in the initiation, progression and metastasis of oesophageal cancer. In this disease, aberrant miRNA expression can tip the balance between oncogenic and tumour-suppressive programmes by targeting key components of signalling cascades such as PI3K/AKT, Wnt/β-catenin and epithelial–mesenchymal transition regulators. Dysregulated miRNAs can be released into the circulation within exosomes or bound to protein complexes, making them accessible as minimally invasive biomarkers for early detection, prognosis and monitoring of therapeutic response. Mechanistic studies have demonstrated that specific miRNAs promote invasion and metastasis by repressing adhesion molecules or by remodelling the tumour microenvironment, while others inhibit stem-like traits and sensitize cells to chemoradiation. Epigenetic mechanisms, including promoter hypomethylation, frequently underlie miRNA deregulation. Collectively, insights into miRNA networks in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and adenocarcinoma have illuminated novel diagnostic panels, prognostic indices and therapeutic targets, underscoring the global significance of miRNA dynamics in refining patient stratification and guiding personalised treatment strategies.
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MicroRNA Dynamics in Esophageal Cancer publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna dynamics in esophageal cancer across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
microRNA: A short non-coding RNA molecule (~18–25 nucleotides) that regulates gene expression by base-pairing with target mRNAs.
Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC): A histological subtype of oesophageal cancer arising from the squamous epithelium, often associated with tobacco and alcohol exposure.
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT): A biological process by which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal characteristics, enhancing motility and invasiveness.
Promoter hypomethylation: A reduction in DNA methylation at gene promoter regions that can lead to increased transcription of associated genes or miRNAs.
Biomarker: A measurable molecular indicator of a biological state, used for diagnosis, prognosis or monitoring of disease.
References
- Uncovering the role of microRNAs in esophageal cancer: from pathogenesis to clinical applications. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2025).
- Promoter hypomethylation mediated upregulation of MicroRNA-10b-3p targets FOXO3 to promote the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research (2018).
- MicroRNA-92b represses invasion-metastasis cascade of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Oncotarget (2016).
- Circulating microRNAs in plasma of patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. British Journal of Cancer (2011).
- Diagnostic and Prognostic Implications of a Serum miRNA Panel in Oesophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. PLOS ONE (2014).
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