MICRORNAS TARGETING KEY GENES OF THE INFLAMMATORY PATHWAY AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE IN HNSCC

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a formidable foe in oncology, necessitating a better understanding of the complex molecular environment that drives its development and spread.The importance of microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA molecules, and their involvement with key genes in the inflammatory pathway has grown. The NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2 genes are key components of this pathway, each of which plays a unique role in regulating inflammatory processes. These genes not only serve as potential prognostic markers, but they also provide important insights into the disease's behavior. It also represents potential therapeutic targets for analyzing and treating HNSCC, ultimately improving patient outcomes through targeted and personalized interventions. The goal of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of miRNA targeting key genes in the inflammasome pathway in HNSCC, such as NLRP1, NLRP3, NLRC4, and AIM2.

Methods and Methodology: The results revealed that  survival analysis is a crucial parameter for validating the microRNA of interest's prognosis. Based on their expression profiles, the overall survival of the patients was assessed using both univariate and multivariate analysis. Gene expression values less than the third quartile were assigned to the low/medium expression groups, whereas expression values more than or equal to the third quartile were assigned to the high expression group.

Results :  The findings from this study not only contribute to the expanding knowledge of miRNA involvement in HNSCC but also underscore the potential clinical relevance of specific miRNAs. The identified miRNAs, with their varied expression patterns, provide a rich landscape for further exploration, offering hope for improved diagnostic precision and therapeutic strategies in the challenging realm of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Conclusion: This study showed that understanding the functional roles of these miRNAs in the context of NLRP1 gene regulation provides valuable insights into the intricate molecular landscape of HNSCC. Further validation in clinical settings will not only strengthen the association between these miRNAs and HNSCC but may also unveil potential therapeutic targets for personalized treatment strategies.