A comprehensive review on the functional role of miRNA clusters in cervical cancer

Abstract

Cervical cancer (CC) poses a significant health threat in women globally. MicroRNA clusters (MCs), comprising multiple miRNA-encoding genes, are pivotal in gene regulation. Various factors, including circular RNA and DNA methylation, govern MC expression. Dysregulated MC expression correlates strongly with CC development via promoting the acquisition of cancer hallmarks. Certain MCs show promise for diagnosis, prognosis and therapy selection due to their distinct expression patterns in normal, premalignant and tumor tissues. This review explains the regulation and biological functions of MCs and highlights the clinical relevance of abnormal MC expression in CC.

Plain language summary

Cervical cancer is a major global health concern, mostly caused by human papillomavirus infection, resulting in a high number of new cases and fatalities annually. This review examines the role of specific genetic variables known as microRNA clusters (MCs) in the development and progression of cervical cancer. The MCs harbor many microRNAs that control genes related to tumor proliferation, infiltration and dissemination. Understanding the functioning of these MCs can aid in early diagnosis of cervical cancer and predicting its patterns of behavior. We explore the potential benefits of assessing MC expression levels in cancer staging and prognosis, and the development of diagnostic tools and treatments. Targeting these molecular targets could provide interesting opportunities for future cancer treatments.

Tweetable abstract

Abnormal miRNA cluster expression frequently occurs during development and progression of cervical cancer. This review describes the regulation, biological functions and clinical significance of miRNA clusters in cervical cancer.

Keywords: :

• cervical cancer
• diagnosis
• miRNA cluster
• prognosis
• signaling pathways
• therapeutic strategies

Financial disclosure

The authors thank the Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Government of India (grant no: EMR/2016/002314 and grant no: MTR/2021/000182) under the CRG and MATRICS schemes; the DBT/Wellcome Trust India Alliance Intermediate Fellowship (grant no. IA/I/22/1/506240); and SPARC, MHRD, Government of India (grant no: SPARC/2019-2020/P2297/SL). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Competing interests disclosure

The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Writing disclosure

The authors received editorial support from a professional editing service provided by American Journal of Expert (https://secure.aje.com/en/home/) and funded by Manipal Academy of Higher Education, during the preparation of this review article.