The dual role of miR-184 in cancer: a systematic review of context-dependent regulation.

MicroRNA-184 (miR-184) regulates gene expression by binding to target messenger RNAs, promoting their degradation, and influencing key cellular processes. Its role in human cancers is complex: while several studies report tumour-suppressive effects, including inhibition of proliferation, migration, and metastasis, contradictory evidence indicates that miR-184 may act as a tumour promoter in certain contexts. This systematic review aimed to clarify whether miR-184 functions as a universal anticancer agent across human cancers. A comprehensive search of PubMed and SCOPUS identified 123 records, of which 55 studies met inclusion criteria. Analysis revealed that miR-184 predominantly acts as a tumour suppressor in cancers such as prostate and breast, whereas in liver and bone cancers, it exhibits tumour-promoting activity. Certain cancer types, including skin and pancreatic cancers, showed inconsistent or context-dependent effects. Key molecular targets and pathways influenced by miR-184, including c-MYC, caspases, and apoptotic signalling, were highlighted. Overall, these findings demonstrate that the function of miR-184 in cancer is context-dependent, shaped by tissue type, molecular environment, and cellular signalling networks.