MicroRNA Mechanisms in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Summary
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs of approximately 18–25 nucleotides that regulate gene expression by binding to complementary sequences in messenger RNAs, leading to translational repression or degradation. In oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), aberrant miRNA expression contributes to tumour initiation, progression, metastasis and resistance to therapy. Dysregulated miRNAs may act either as oncogenes by suppressing tumour suppressor genes or as tumour suppressors by targeting oncogenic transcripts. Key pathological processes modulated by miRNAs in OSCC include cell cycle control, apoptosis, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion and metastatic colonisation. Interactions between miRNAs and other classes of non-coding RNAs—such as long non-coding RNAs and circular RNAs—further refine these regulatory networks through competing endogenous RNA mechanisms. Beyond mechanistic insights, evolving research highlights the utility of miRNA signatures in saliva, serum and exosomes as minimally invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis, risk stratification and monitoring of recurrence. Advances in understanding miRNA-mRNA networks are paving the way for novel diagnostic tools and targeted therapies that may improve patient outcomes in this globally significant malignancy.
Research from Nature Portfolio
No recent Nature Portfolio content available.
MicroRNA Mechanisms in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in microrna mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
MicroRNA (miRNA): A short non-coding RNA that regulates gene expression post-transcriptionally by binding to complementary mRNA sequences.
Exosome: A small extracellular vesicle (30–150 nm) that carries proteins, lipids and RNAs, including miRNAs, for intercellular communication.
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT): A cellular programme by which epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal traits, increasing motility and invasive capacity.
3′-Untranslated region (3′-UTR): The segment of mRNA downstream of the coding sequence that often contains binding sites for regulatory molecules such as miRNAs.
Biomarker: A measurable indicator of a biological state or condition, used for diagnosis, prognosis or therapeutic monitoring.
References
- A novel saliva-based miRNA profile to diagnose and predict oral cancer. International Journal of Oral Science (2024).
- MiR-455-5p suppresses PDZK1IP1 to promote the motility of oral squamous cell carcinoma and accelerate clinical cancer invasion by regulating partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research (2023).
- A novel 3-miRNA network regulates tumour progression in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Biomarker Research (2023).
- Identification of a serum-based microRNA signature that detects recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma before it is clinically evident. British Journal of Cancer (2023).
Turn complex research questions into confident strategic decisions
When you're under pressure to set direction, justify investment, or understand your competitive position, you need more than raw data — you need trusted insights you can act on.
Benchmark your performance against global peers using robust, methodologically sound analysis.
Combine quantitative metrics with qualitative expert insight to uncover strengths, gaps and emerging opportunities.
Gain tailored, decision-ready recommendations aligned to your strategic priorities.
Talk to us to learn more about our data dashboards and bespoke strategy reports.
Grow research skills, confidence and careers with training built for every stage of the research lifecycle.
Developed with Nature Portfolio journal Editors and internationally renowned experts. Discover three ways to learn:
Self-paced, online courses in convenient bite-sized units, covering key skills across scientific writing, publishing, grant writing, data analysis, and more.
Expert trainer-led workshops with hands-on exercises and real-time feedback across core research skills, delivered via interactive group sessions.
Editor-led workshops combining core principles in writing and publishing, personalised 1:1 feedback from Nature Portfolio Editors and hands-on exercises.
Explore course catalogues and workshop agendas, enquire about the options or request institutional pricing.