Cervical Cancer: Open Access
Open Access

Microrna; Cervical cancer; Gene regulation; Oncogenes; Tumor suppressors; Biomarkers; Cancer progression

Introduction

Cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide, primarily linked to persistent infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) strains. While HPV infection initiates onco genesis, the progression to invasive carcinoma involves complex molecular mechanisms, including dysregulation of miRNAs. These small, non-coding RNAs post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression, influencing key cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune response [1,2].

This article examines the role of miRNAs in cervical cancer progression, discussing their involvement in onco genesis, their potential as biomarkers for early detection, and their promise as therapeutic targets. By understanding the regulatory functions of miRNAs, researchers and clinicians can advance personalized approaches for cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment [3,4].

Description

MiRNAs are short RNA molecules (~22 nucleotides) that regulate gene expression by binding to complementary sequences in target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), leading to their degradation or translational repression. In cancer, miRNAs can function as oncogenes (oncomiRs) by down regulating tumor suppressor genes or as tumor suppressors by inhibiting oncogenes [5,6].

Key miRNAs implicated in cervical cancer

Oncogenic miRNAs:

miR-21: Promotes proliferation and inhibits apoptosis by targeting tumor suppressors such as PTEN.

miR-155: Enhances tumor cell invasion and immune evasion by modulating inflammatory pathways.

miR-214: Contributes to chemoresistance and metastasis in cervical cancer.

Tumor suppressive miRNAs

miR-143 and miR-145: Suppress proliferation and invasion by targeting oncogenic pathways.

miR-375: Regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and reduces metastatic potential.

miR-34a: Induced by p53, it controls cell cycle arrest and apoptosis [7].

Regulation of miRNA expression in cervical cancer

Epigenetic modifications: Aberrant DNA methylation and histone modifications can silence tumor-suppressive miRNAs, contributing to cancer progression.

HPV-mediated dysregulation: High-risk HPV oncoproteins (E6 and E7) alter miRNA expression patterns, promoting malignant transformation [8].

Inflammatory and immune responses: Chronic inflammation and immune evasion mechanisms further modulate miRNA profiles in tumor cells [9,10].

Discussion

Diagnostic and prognostic value of miRNAs in cervical cancer

Circulating miRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers: MiRNAs present in blood, urine, and cervical secretions offer potential for early cancer detection.

Prognostic indicators: Differential expression of specific miRNAs correlates with tumor stage, metastasis, and patient survival rates.

Predictive value for treatment response: MiRNA profiles help predict patient responses to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.

Therapeutic Targeting of miRNAs in Cervical Cancer

MiRNA mimics and antagonists:

MiRNA mimics: Synthetic miRNAs that restore tumor-suppressive function.

AntagomiRs: Designed to inhibit oncogenic miRNAs, preventing tumor progression.

CRISPR-based MiRNA editing: Emerging technologies allow precise genetic modifications to correct aberrant miRNA expression.

Nanoparticle delivery systems: Targeted delivery of miRNA therapeutics enhances treatment efficacy while minimizing off-target effects.

MiRNA stability and delivery: Effective methods for stabilizing and delivering miRNA-based drugs remain a challenge.

Heterogeneity in miRNA expression: Variability in miRNA profiles across different patient populations necessitates personalized treatment approaches.

Regulatory and ethical considerations: Developing miRNA-based therapies requires rigorous clinical validation and regulatory approvals.

Conclusion

MiRNAs are pivotal regulators of cervical cancer progression, influencing oncogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic responses. Their potential as diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets offers promising avenues for improving cervical cancer management. While significant progress has been made in understanding miRNA-mediated regulation, further research is required to translate these findings into effective clinical applications.

Harnessing the power of miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics can lead to more precise, personalized treatment strategies, ultimately improving outcomes for cervical cancer patients. Future advancements in miRNA research and technology will be instrumental in shaping the next generation of cancer diagnostics and therapies.

Acknowledgement

None

Conflict of Interest

None

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