The tumour suppressive function of miR-718 was then confirmed in cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma and oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, as well as thyroid and ovarian cancers; it was shown to inhibit cancer cell proliferation, invasion and to regulate innate immune response by targeting VEGF, PDPK1, IRAK1, EGR3 and PTEN49–53. Here, VEGFA is linked to thyroid gland disorder.