More than a Bubble: Extracellular Vesicle microRNAs in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNA molecules that play a pivotal regulatory role in a broad variety of biological processes. Dysregulation of miRNAs is associated with several human diseases, particularly cancer. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are crucial components in intercellular communication. As part of the cargo of EVs, miRNAs are involved in EV-mediated cell-to-cell interactions, including promotion or suppression of tumor development. The knowledge on the molecular mechanisms and clinical importance of EV-miRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has rapidly grown over the past years. In the present review, the current understanding regarding the effect of EV-miRNAs on HNSCC tumorigenesis is summarized, which includes effects on tumor proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis, the tumor microenvironment, immune modulation, and treatment resistance. EV-miRNA-based biomarkers in liquid biopsies such as blood and saliva may open up new possibilities for employing EV-miRNAs for screening and early diagnostics as well as disease monitoring. Future perspectives include the promise of EV-miRNAs as a novel therapeutic target.

Automated summary

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that play a key regulatory role in various biological processes. Dysregulation of miRNAs is associated with human diseases, particularly cancer. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are important for intercellular communication, and miRNAs carried by EVs are involved in cell-to-cell interactions, including tumor development. In recent years, there has been rapid growth in understanding the molecular mechanisms and clinical importance of EV-miRNAs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). EV-miRNAs have multiple effects on HNSCC tumorigenesis, including tumor proliferation, invasion and metastasis, immune modulation, and treatment resistance. EV-miRNAs also have the potential to be used as biomarkers for screening, early diagnosis, and disease monitoring in liquid biopsies. Furthermore, EV-miRNAs hold promise as a novel therapeutic target.