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What are the underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development of head and neck cancer? 


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Head and neck cancer (HNC) development involves various molecular mechanisms. Areca nut exposure is a high-risk factor in Southeast Asia, with long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) like LUCAT1, MIR31HG, and UCA1 playing roles in HNC induced by areca nut . Genomic instability, defective DNA damage repair (DDR), and replication stress are common in HNC, affecting treatment responses . Exosomes, nanosized vesicles, contribute to HNC progression by promoting events like epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis, and drug resistance . Additionally, glycolytic enzyme ENO2 is crucial in HNC, influencing cell proliferation and glycolysis through PKM2 regulation . Understanding these molecular pathways is vital for developing targeted therapies and improving outcomes for individuals with head and neck cancer.

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Head and neck cancer development involves genomic instability, defective DNA damage repair, and replication stress, highlighting the significance of DNA damage response mechanisms in therapy and survival.
Exosomes play a crucial role in head and neck cancer development by promoting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the transfer of specific transcription factors like SNAIL/SLUG, TWIST, and ZEB.
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) like LUCAT1, MIR31HG, and UCA1 modulate oncogenic mechanisms such as stress response and cellular motility, contributing to areca nut-induced head and neck cancer development.
Genetic aberrations, environmental factors, and Epstein-Barr virus infection cooperate in nasopharyngeal carcinoma tumorigenesis, altering cellular signaling pathways, providing potential druggable targets for therapy.
ENO2 mediates HNSCC progression by stabilizing PKM2, promoting its nuclear translocation, and enhancing glycolytic flux, leading to cell cycle progression.

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