It could promote tumour progression if HMGA1 dominantly up-regulates miR-196 expression; however, if miR-196 significantly inhibits HMGA2 protein synthesis, it could inhibit tumour progression. Thus, ultimate impact of miR-196 on the tumour pathogenesis will be dependent on the balance of regulation of miR-196 expression and miR-196 targeting molecules (oncogenes or tumour suppression genes) in specific cells.