Abstract

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that post-transcriptionally modulate gene expression by degrading or repressing the translation of target messenger RNAs (mRNA). Aberrant miRNA expression has been reported in OSCC, and this altered expression may be useful for the early detection of oral cancer. In this review we highlight the miRNAs profile of OSCC, the possible mechanisms underlying their altered expression together with their function in oral cancer development and progression. The modulation of miRNAs makes these small molecules potential markers for early oral cancer diagnosis and prognostic prediction as well as potential molecular tools for its treatment. Translational studies focusing on miRNAs could lead to the development of new tools for the management of patients with OSCC.

Keywords: Oral squamous cell carcinoma, microRNAs, miRNAs, biomarkers, oral cancer, gene expression, translation, messenger RNAs (mRNA), cancer development, progression