miR-345

miR-345 is a tumor-suppressive microRNA that is significantly downregulated in pancreatic cancer. It plays a critical role in regulating cell growth, motility, and apoptosis. miR-345 exerts its effects by directly targeting the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of the BCL2 mRNA, leading to reduced expression of the anti-apoptotic BCL2 protein. This downregulation triggers the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, characterized by the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, release of cytochrome c, and activation of caspases 3 and 7. Furthermore, miR-345 inhibits the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by upregulating E-cadherin and downregulating mesenchymal markers such as N-cadherin, vimentin, Twist, Slug, and Snail. Restoring miR-345 levels has been shown to sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent or biomarker for chemoresistance.

Other names

microRNA-345microRNA345microRNA 345hsa-miR-345hsa-miR345hsa-miR 345miRNA-345miRNA345miRNA 345