1
|
Parvizi M, Vaezi M, Jeddi F, Bakhshandeh M, Eghdam-Zamiri R, Mobaraki-Asl N, Esmati E, Karimi A. The role and diagnostic value of deregulated miRNAs in cervical cancer. Discov Oncol 2025; 16:922. [PMID: 40413660 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-025-02744-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2025] [Accepted: 05/17/2025] [Indexed: 05/27/2025] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) remains a significant global health concern, particularly affecting women in low-income countries. Despite advancements in screening programs, CC continues to pose a substantial mortality risk, highlighting the need to explore diagnostic and treatment modalities. This review focuses on the role of deregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) in CC development, emphasizing their potential as biomarkers for early detection and prognosis in body fluids. miRNAs have emerged as critical regulators of key cellular processes, including proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis, and their dysregulation is closely linked to CC progression. Upregulated miRNAs such as miR-146b-3p, miR-1908, and miR-21 promote CC progression by targeting tumor suppressor genes, while downregulated miRNAs like miR-23-3p and miR-4262 are associated with reduced tumor aggressiveness. miRNAs also hold significant promise as non-invasive prognostic biomarkers. Their expression levels correlate with clinical outcomes, including tumor stage, metastasis, and overall survival, making them valuable tools for risk stratification and personalized treatment strategies. Liquid biopsies, which detect circulating miRNAs in bodily fluids, offer a minimally invasive approach to monitor tumor dynamics and predict patient outcomes. Furthermore, exosomal miRNAs are emerging as promising diagnostic and prognostic tools for CC. Advanced diagnostic technologies and bioinformatics tools are anticipated to enhance the identification of evident miRNA biomarkers in the clinical settings. Standardized protocols for sample collection and analysis will improve the reproducibility of miRNA studies, while a deeper understanding of miRNA biology may unlock their potential as therapeutic targets. In conclusion, this review consolidates current research on deregulated miRNAs in CC, highlighting their diagnostic and prognostic significance. The findings underscore the potential of miRNAs to revolutionize CC management through innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masoumeh Parvizi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Vaezi
- Obstetric and Oncology Department, School of Medicine, Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Alzahra Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farhad Jeddi
- Department of Genetics and Pathology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Bakhshandeh
- Obstetric and Oncology Department, School of Medicine, Women's Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research Institute, Alzahra Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Eghdam-Zamiri
- Department of Radiation Oncology, School of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Noushin Mobaraki-Asl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Alavi Hospital, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Esmati
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Institute, IKHC, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Karimi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Raghani NR, Chorawala MR, Parekh K, Sharma A, Alsaidan OA, Alam P, Fareed M, Prajapati B. Exosomal miRNA-based theranostics in cervical cancer: bridging diagnostics and therapy. Med Oncol 2025; 42:193. [PMID: 40320487 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-025-02752-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2025] [Accepted: 04/28/2025] [Indexed: 06/01/2025]
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) remains a significant global health burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, where access to effective screening and treatment is limited. Despite advancements in conventional therapies, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, challenges related to late-stage diagnosis, treatment resistance, and disease recurrence persist. The emergence of microRNAs (miRNAs) as key regulators of gene expression has revolutionized cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. Exosomal miRNAs, in particular, have garnered attention due to their stability, detectability in bodily fluids, and pivotal roles in tumor progression, metastasis, and immune modulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the role of exosomal miRNAs in the theranostic landscape of CC. We explore their involvement in disease pathogenesis, highlighting their potential as minimally invasive diagnostic biomarkers for early detection and disease monitoring. Furthermore, we examine their utility in therapeutic strategies, including miRNA-mediated drug delivery systems and miRNA-targeted interventions to overcome chemoresistance. Integrating exosomal miRNA profiling with current diagnostic modalities could enhance screening sensitivity and specificity, while miRNA-based therapies offer novel avenues to improve treatment efficacy. This review discusses recent advancements in miRNA research, current challenges in clinical translation, and future perspectives on leveraging exosomal miRNAs for personalized CC care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha R Raghani
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, Saraswati Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
| | - Mehul R Chorawala
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India.
| | - Kavya Parekh
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009, India
| | - Anvesha Sharma
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, Saraswati Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, 382355, India
| | - Omar Awad Alsaidan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Jouf University, 72341, Sakaka, Saudi Arabia
| | - Prawez Alam
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Fareed
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, AlMaarefa University, P.O. Box 71666, Riyadh, 13713, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bhupendra Prajapati
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Shree S K Patel College of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Ganpat University, Kherva, Mahesana, Gujarat, 384012, India.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
- Centre for Research Impact & Outcome, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Rajpura, Punjab, 140401, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pavelescu LA, Mititelu-Zafiu NL, Mindru DE, Vladareanu R, Curici A. Molecular Insights into HPV-Driven Cervical Cancer: Oncoproteins, Immune Evasion, and Epigenetic Modifications. Microorganisms 2025; 13:1000. [PMID: 40431173 PMCID: PMC12113743 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13051000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2025] [Revised: 04/22/2025] [Accepted: 04/24/2025] [Indexed: 05/29/2025] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer ranks third in mortality and fourth in incidence among women worldwide as one of the leading causes of death from cancer in females. The main reason behind cervical carcinogenesis is long-term infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes, particularly HPV16 and HPV18. This review investigates HPV distribution across the world, along with cervical cancer molecular development mechanisms and current treatment strategies. Epidemiological data show that disease patterns vary significantly between different geographic regions because underdeveloped nations bear a higher disease burden. The molecular mechanisms of oncogenes E6 and E7 disrupt tumor suppressor pathways, while epigenetic modifications through DNA methylation and miRNA dysregulation promote malignant cell transformation. The reduction in HPV infection through prophylactic vaccination has shown promise, yet barriers related to accessibility and coverage still exist. The therapeutic technologies of gene expression inhibitors together with immunotherapies and epigenetic targeting agents show promise but require optimization to achieve specific targeting while minimizing off-target effects. A combined approach that integrates HPV vaccination with early diagnosis and molecular-specific therapies represents the most effective method to manage cervical cancer impact. The future care of patients will require increased translational research along with better immunization programs to drive prevention and therapeutic outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Alexandra Pavelescu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | | | - Dana Elena Mindru
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Radu Vladareanu
- Department of Obstetrics-Gynecology and Neonatology, Elias Emergency Hospital Bucharest, 011461 Bucharest, Romania
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Antoanela Curici
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology and Histology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
- Synevo Romania, 021408 Bucharest, Romania;
| |
Collapse
|