Aberrant behaviors of microRNA-142 in head and neck malignancy

Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are a heterogenous group of malignancies with diverse molecular drivers and etiologies complicating the identification of reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets. MicroRNA-142 (miR-142) dysregulation has been implicated in various cancers with its role being highly context-dependent. This review summarizes current research on miR-142 in HNC, exploring how its dysregulation influences proliferation, apoptosis, and metastatic processes. While findings for proliferation and apoptosis are inconsistent, showing both context dependent tumor-suppressive and oncogenic phenotypes, evidence supports miR-142 as a suppressor of invasive and metastatic phenotypes. Lastly, we examine the promising potential of miR-142 as a prognostic and diagnostic biomarker, particularly in relation to HPV status. Overall, miR-142 has a complex role in HNC but represents a promising biomarker and therapeutic target, with additional study needed before clinical translation.