Abstract
Cancer is a complex genetic disorder characterized by abnormalities in both coding and regulatory non-coding RNAs. microRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulatory non-coding RNAs that modulate cancer development, functioning as both tumor suppressors and oncogenes. miRNAs play critical roles in cancer progression, influencing key processes such as initiation, promotion, and metastasis. They exert their effects by targeting tumor suppressor genes, thereby facilitating cancer progression, while also inhibiting oncogenes to prevent further disease advancement. The miR-10 family, particularly miR-10a-5p and miR-10b-5p (miR-10a/b-5p), is notably involved in cancer progression. Intriguingly, their functions can differ across different cancers, sometimes promoting and at other times suppressing tumor growth depending on the cancer type and target genes. This review explores the dual roles of miR-10a/b-5p as tumor-suppressive miRNAs (TSmiRs) or oncogenic miRNAs (oncomiRs) in various cancers by examining their molecular and cellular mechanisms and their impact on the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of miR-10a/b-5p as therapeutic targets, emphasizing miRNA-based strategies for cancer treatment. The insights discussed in this review aim to advance our understanding of miR-10a/b-5p's roles in tumor biology and their application in developing innovative cancer therapies.