Research Progress on Non-coding RNAs in Cholesteatoma of the Middle Ear

Abstract

Cholesteatoma of the middle ear is a common disease in otolaryngology that is receiving increasing attention. It is estimated that over 5 million people around the world are suffering from middle ear cholesteatoma. The yearly frequency of middle ear cholesteatoma is detailed as 9.2 per 100,000 in adults and 3 per 100,000 in children. Without timely discovery and intervention, cholesteatomas can become perilously large and attack intratemporal structures, coming about in various intra- and extracranial complications. So far, no practical nonsurgical treatments are available. Although multiple hypotheses exist, research directions are relatively consistent, focusing on cell proliferation, apoptosis, and bone destruction. Recently, non-coding RNA (ncRNA) especially miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs, have received increasing attention because of their key roles in gene expression, cell cycle regulation, and the development of many diseases. Although ncRNAs are not involved in protein translation, they are abundant in the genome, with only approximately 2% of genes encoding proteins and the remaining approximately 98% encoding ncRNA. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the specific role of ncRNA in middle ear cholesteatoma.

Identification of miRNA expression profile in middle ear cholesteatoma using small RNA-sequencing

“…Middle ear cholesteatoma is a relatively common disease in otolaryngology [ 20 ], the pathogenesis and mechanisms of which have been drawing growing attention. Numerous studies revealed the roles of miRNAs in the formation and progression of cholesteatoma [ 9 , 10 ].In the present study, we identified 121 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs in acquired retraction pocket cholesteatoma tissues via small RNA sequencing. Among them, 56 miRNAs were upregulated, and 65 miRNAs were downregulated.…”

“…Several research suggested the genetic associations of cholesteatoma in syndromic and familial forms [7,8]. Also, researchers have recently paid attention to the role of non-coding RNAs in cholesteatoma pathogenesis which have certain therapeutic potential [9,10]. Complete removal of the lesion, preservation of normal middle ear mucosa, and restoration of the middle ear ventilation and drainage system during surgery help reduce the recurrence of cholesteatoma [11][12][13].…”