miR-138

miR-138 is a microRNA that serves as a critical post-transcriptional regulator across various diseases, most notably acting as a tumor suppressor in several cancers. In colorectal cancer, Wilms tumor, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), miR-138 (specifically the miR-138-5p strand) is frequently downregulated, and its restoration via synthetic mimics inhibits cell proliferation, migration, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by targeting oncogenic factors such as TCF3, EZH2, and AZIN1. Beyond oncology, miR-138 is involved in cardiovascular and fibrotic pathologies; for instance, it modulates vascular smooth muscle cell senescence in atherosclerosis via the AKT1 axis and promotes heart failure in rat models by inhibiting EZH2 and increasing MyD88 expression. Additionally, miR-138 inhibition has been shown to enhance the efficacy of oncolytic viruses like G47Δ in malignant glioma by modulating STAT1 and immune responses. Its diverse regulatory roles make it a versatile target for RNA-based therapeutic interventions.

Other names

microRNA-138microRNA138microRNA 138miR-138-5pmiR138-5pmiR 138-5pmiR-138-2-3pmiR138-2-3pmiR 138-2-3phsa-miR-138-5phsa-miR138-5phsa-miR 138-5p