Small RNAs in metastatic and non-metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

BackgroundSmall non-coding regulatory RNAs control cellular functions at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels. Oral squamous cell carcinoma is among the leading cancers in the world and the presence of cervical lymph node metastases is currently its strongest prognostic factor. In this work we aimed at finding small RNAs expressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma that could be associated with the presence of lymph node metastasis.MethodsSmall RNA libraries from metastatic and non-metastatic oral squamous cell carcinomas were sequenced for the identification and quantification of known small RNAs. Selected markers were validated in plasma samples. Additionally, we used in silico analysis to investigate possible new molecules, not previously described, involved in the metastatic process.ResultsGlobal expression patterns were not associated with cervical metastases. MiR-21, miR-203 and miR-205 were highly expressed throughout samples, in agreement with their role in epithelial cell biology, but disagreeing with studies correlating these molecules with cancer invasion. Eighteen microRNAs, but no other small RNA class, varied consistently between metastatic and non-metastatic samples. Nine of these microRNAs had been previously detected in human plasma, eight of which presented consistent results between tissue and plasma samples. MiR-31 and miR-130b, known to inhibit several steps in the metastatic process, were over-expressed in non-metastatic samples and the expression of miR-130b was confirmed in plasma of patients showing no metastasis. MiR-181 and miR-296 were detected in metastatic tumors and the expression of miR-296 was confirmed in plasma of patients presenting metastasis. A novel microRNA-like molecule was also associated with non-metastatic samples, potentially targeting cell-signaling mechanisms.ConclusionsWe corroborate literature data on the role of small RNAs in cancer metastasis and suggest the detection of microRNAs as a tool that may assist in the evaluation of oral squamous cell carcinoma metastatic potential.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12920-015-0102-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Differential expression of matrix metalloproteinases and miRNAs in the metastasis of oral squamous cell carcinoma

“…Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignancies of the head and neck region in the world [1,2]. OSCC is particularly risky and is usually discovered when the cancer has metastasized to the lymph nodes of the neck since it progresses without producing pain or symptoms that might be readily recognized by the patients in its early stages [3]. Although surgical resection followed by postoperative radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy has made considerable treatment progress, the 5-year overall survival rate of OSCC patients still remains poor due to the common neighbouring tissue invasion and neck lymph node metastasis [4][5][6].…”

Heat shock factor 1 in cancer‐associated fibroblasts is a potential prognostic factor and drives progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma

“…Oral squamous cell carcinoma, the sixth most common cancer worldwide, is typically detected in advanced stages . Despite advanced treatment strategies, the 5‐year OS rate has remained at approximately 50% .…”

“…Oral squamous cell carcinoma, the sixth most common cancer worldwide, is typically detected in advanced stages. 1,2 Despite advanced treatment strategies, the 5-year OS rate has remained at approximately 50%. 3 Local invasion and distant metastasis are the predominant causes of death in patients; 4 however, the underlying mechanism has not been fully explored.…”

Screening pathogenic genes in oral squamous cell carcinoma based on the mRNA expression microarray data

“…With characteristics of rapid progression and worse outcome, OSCC is a deadly and particularly risky because it progresses without producing pain or symptoms that may be readily recognized by the patient in its early stages (5). It is usually discovered when the cancer has metastasized to the lymph nodes of the neck (6). The etiology of OSCC has not yet been well illustrated, and some risk factors may be associated with it.…”