MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs known to negative regulate endogenous genes. Some
microRNAs have high sequence conservation and localize as clusters in the genome. Their coordination is regulated by simple genetic and epigenetic events mechanism. In cells, single
microRNAs can regulate multiple genes and
microRNA clusters contain multiple
microRNAs.
MicroRNAs can be differentially expressed and act as oncogenic or
tumor suppressor
microRNAs, which are based on the roles of
microRNA-regulated genes. It is vital to understand their effects, regulation, and various biological functions under both normal and disease conditions.
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are some of the leading causes of
cancer-related deaths worldwide and are regulated by many factors, including the dysregulation of
microRNAs and their clusters. In disease stages,
microRNA clusters can potentially control every field of oncogenic function, including growth, proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and intercellular commutation. Furthermore,
microRNA clusters are regulated by genetic mutations or translocations,
transcription factors, and epigenetic modifications. Additionally,
microRNA clusters harbor the potential to act therapeutically against
cancer in the future. Here, we review recent advances in
microRNA cluster research, especially relative to head and
neck cancers, and discuss their regulation and biological functions under pathological conditions as well as translational applications.