MiR-145 affects cell cycles by inhibiting cyclin A2 and cyclin dependent kinase 6 in oral squamous cell carcinoma, a progression and prognostic biomarker

Identifying novel prognostic markers is crucial for predicting clinical outcomes and guiding targeted therapies. This study explores the biomarker potential of specific miRNAs, particularly miR-145 and miR-21, in the prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and their associated mechanisms. mRNA and miRNA expression profiles were analyzed in OSCC patients. Bioinformatic analysis identified miR-145 and miR-21 as key markers. Clinical data from 87 patients showed that high miR-145 and low miR-21 expression correlated with a 91.6% 5-year survival rate. Functional studies showed that miR-145 induced G0/G1 phase arrest and shortened the S phase in OSCC cells. Overexpressing miR-145 or knocking down cyclin A2 (CCNA2) or cyclin-dependent kinase 6 (CDK6) inhibited OSCC cell proliferation. Dual-luciferase assays confirmed that miR-145 directly targets the 3′-UTRs of CCNA2 and CDK6, reducing their expression. MiR-145, particularly when combined with miR-21, is a promising OSCC prognostic biomarker. It exerts its effects by modulating the cell cycle via CCNA2 and CDK6 suppression.