Let-7 family-regulated mRNA targets (let-7 targets)

The let-7 family-regulated mRNA targets represent a diverse group of transcripts post-transcriptionally controlled by the let-7 microRNA family, which is highly conserved across species (Roush & Slack, 2008). These targets predominantly include potent oncogenes and cell cycle regulators such as HMGA2, KRAS, MYC, and CDK6, which are essential for cell growth, differentiation, and development (Boyerinas et al., 2010). In many human malignancies, the loss of let-7 expression results in the de-repression or overexpression of these targets, driving tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy (Takamizawa et al., 2004). Consequently, these mRNA targets are the primary effectors of let-7's tumor-suppressive function. Therapeutic strategies, such as let-7 replacement therapy using synthetic mimics, aim to restore the regulation of these targets to inhibit cancer cell proliferation (Johnson et al., 2005). However, the broad regulatory network of let-7 presents challenges in achieving target specificity and avoiding unintended side effects in non-cancerous tissues.

Other names

let-7 downstream targetslet-7 regulated geneslet-7 mRNA targetsLethal-7 regulated transcripts

Post-transcriptional gene silencing through complementary binding of let-7 microRNAs to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs, resulting in translational repression or transcript degradation.