The role of long non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Head and neck cancers are a heterogeneous collection of malignancies of the upper aerodigestive tract, salivary glands, and thyroid. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the carcinogenesis of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) remain poorly understood. Over the past decades, overwhelming evidence has demonstrated the regulatory roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis, including HNSCC. Notably, these lncRNAs have vital roles in gene regulation and affect various aspects of cellular homeostasis, including proliferation, survival, and metastasis. They exert regulating functions by interacting with nucleic acids or proteins and affecting cancer cell signaling. LncRNAs represent a burgeoning field of cancer research, and we are only beginning to understand the importance and complicity of lncRNAs in HNSCC. In this review, we summarize the deregulation and function of lncRNAs in human HNSCC. We also review the working mechanism of lncRNAs in HNSCC pathogenesis and discuss the potential application of lncRNAs as diagnostic/prognostic tools and therapeutic targets in human HNSCC.

NT5E upregulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: A novel biomarker on cancer-associated fibroblasts for predicting immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment

“…In China in 2022, it is predicted that 139,170 new cases of head and neck cancer will be diagnosed, with approximately 75,640 deaths related to these diseases (2). Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), which arises from the epithelial linings of the oral cavity, oropharynx, paranasal sinuses, nasopharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx, accounts for over 90% of head and neck cancers (3)(4)(5)(6). There are several potential risk factors that are related to the pathogenesis of HNSC, including cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, betel quid chewing (7), human papillomavirus (HPV) infection (8) and poor oral hygiene (9).…”

Characterization of tumor immune microenvironment and cancer therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma through identification of a genomic instability-related lncRNA prognostic signature

“…However, there are rare consistent prognostic biomarkers for HNSCC due to high heterogeneous genomics and complex etiology ( Beck and Golemis, 2016 ; Yang et al, 2020 ). Studies have revealed that lncRNAs hold potential in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, and targeted treatment of patients with HNSCC by promoting DNA damage and regulating the cell cycle ( Guglas et al, 2017 ; Wang Y. et al, 2020 ; Jiang et al, 2022 ; Li et al, 2022 ), while the role of GI-associated with lncRNAs in the prediction of TIME and therapeutics for HNSCC has not been systematically assessed.…”

Comprehensive Landscape of Prognostic Significance and Immune Characteristics of Myosins in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

“…As the most frequent type of head and neck cancer and the seventh most common cancer worldwide, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presents extremely high morbidity and mortality and contributes to severe healthy burden [ 1 ]. HNSCC includes malignancies in the regions of the oral cavity, oropharynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx [ 2 ], and the occurrence of HNSCC is often thought to be correlated with HPV virus infection [ 3 ].…”