Characterizing miR-20a-3p Expression in the Progression of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Aim: This study aims to elucidate the role of miR-20a-3p in the inhibition of tumor suppressor genes, thereby enhancing the development and advancement of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) by fostering the proliferation and viability of tumor cells. Additionally, the study seeks to evaluate the potential of miR-20a-3p as a prognostic biomarker for more effective treatment strategies in OSCC patients. Materials and Methods: This observational, analytical study utilized a convenience sampling method, involving a total of 63 OSCC biopsy samples and corresponding nontumor oral tissues from the same patients. The expression levels of miR-20a-3p were quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Clinical information, including tumor stage, and grade was obtained. Statistical analysis included unpaired Student's t tests to compare miR-20a-3p expression levels between normal and OSCC samples, and one-way ANOVA to compare expression across different grades and stages of the tumor, using SPSS version 19. Results: Our findings demonstrate that miR-20a-3p expression was significantly downregulated in OSCC samples compared to healthy controls (p < .001). Additionally, we observed a correlation between miR-20a-3p downregulation and OSCC histological grade and staging. miR-20a-3p expression levels were significantly different across different grades of OSCC, particularly between well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (WDSCC) and poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma (PDSCC) (p < .006) and moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma and PDSCC (p < .008). There was a significant difference in miR-20a-3p expression between normal tissues and Stage II (p < .006) and Stage IV (p < .001) OSCC. Conclusion: The study confirms that miR-20a-3p acts as a tumor suppressor in OSCC and holds potential as a biomarker for prognosis and personalized treatment strategies. miR-20a-3p expression is significantly reduced in OSCC tissues compared to normal tissues, and its levels vary with tumor grade and stage. These findings underscore the importance of further research into miRNAs as therapeutic targets.