Role of HOXA10-AS in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review
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Abstract
Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a common malignancy with high morbidity and mortality globally. Recent studies have highlighted the regulatory function of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in tumorigenesis, of which HOXA10 antisense RNA (HOXA10-AS) is an emerging candidate oncogenic driver in OSCC. This systematic review assesses the expression profile, molecular mechanisms, and clinical significance of HOXA10-AS in OSCC, noting its promise as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
Materials and Methods: This review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Literature searches were made on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases for original articles published between January 2000 and March 2025. The inclusion criteria included English-language studies assessing HOXA10-AS in OSCC using clinical samples, in vitro or in vivo models, and molecular studies. Important data concerning study design, methodology, results, and implications were extracted and synthesized systematically.
Results: Six studies were finally included in the synthesis. HOXA10-AS was always overexpressed in OSCC tissues and cell lines. Mechanistically, it contributed to oncogenesis through acting as a natural antisense transcript for HOXA10, sponging miR-29a, and binding with RNA-binding proteins like UPF1 to stabilize oncogenic mRNAs. These behaviors led to increased cell proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), stemness, and metastasis. Clinically, elevated levels of HOXA10-AS expression were associated with tumor grade progression, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis, indicating its prognostic significance.
Conclusion: HOXA10-AS is a wide-ranging lncRNA that has implications in OSCC pathobiology. It regulates significant oncogenic processes at both the transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels, making it a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target. Additional prospective and mechanistic studies are needed to ascertain its clinical significance.