Adenomatous polyposis coli mRNA 3′ untranslated region (APC mRNA 3′UTR)

The Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) mRNA 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) is a critical regulatory segment of the APC transcript that governs the post-transcriptional expression of the APC tumor suppressor protein (NIH, 2009). Located downstream of the coding sequence, this region contains multiple binding sites for microRNAs (miRNAs) and RNA-binding proteins that modulate mRNA stability and translation efficiency (PubMed, 2025). In various cancers, particularly colorectal cancer and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, the APC 3′UTR is frequently targeted by oncogenic miRNAs such as miR-135, miR-501, and miR-203, which downregulate APC levels and consequently activate the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway (IngentaConnect, 2022; Spandidos Publications, 2019). This pathway activation is a hallmark of tumorigenesis, leading to increased cell proliferation and survival. Therapeutic strategies focusing on the APC 3′UTR involve the use of miRNA inhibitors (antagomirs) to prevent APC downregulation or miRNA mimics to restore regulatory balance, as well as antisense oligonucleotides designed to stabilize the transcript (IJBS, 2024). Beyond oncology, the APC 3′UTR is also implicated in the regulation of fibrosis and inflammation in conditions like myocardial fibrosis (PVJ, 2025).

Other names

APC 3'UTRAdenomatous polyposis coli 3' untranslated regionAPC mRNA 3' untranslated regionAPC 3-prime UTR

Modulation of APC protein levels by altering mRNA stability or translation efficiency through the blocking or mimicking of miRNA binding to the 3'UTR (NIH, 2009; IJBS, 2024).