miR-23a mimic

miR-23a mimic is a synthetic oligonucleotide designed to replicate the biological activity of the endogenous microRNA miR-23a. In various cancers, particularly cutaneous melanoma, miR-23a is frequently downregulated, contributing to tumor progression and metastasis. The miR-23a mimic functions as a tumor suppressor by binding to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs, most notably Autophagy-related protein 12 (ATG12). By repressing ATG12 expression, the mimic inhibits autophagy and attenuates the AMPK-RhoA signaling pathway, thereby reducing the invasive and migratory capabilities of cancer cells. Preclinical studies have demonstrated its potential to suppress lung and liver metastasis in vivo, suggesting that miR-23a-mediated autophagy inhibition could be a viable therapeutic strategy for melanoma treatment.