microRNA-103 and microRNA-107 (miR-103 and miR-107)

microRNA-103 and microRNA-107 are highly conserved, closely related small non-coding RNAs (microRNAs) that play key regulatory roles in post-transcriptional repression of gene expression in mammals. They are nearly identical in sequence except for one nucleotide at the 3’ end and regulate overlapping sets of mRNA targets. The miR-103/107 family is involved in diverse cellular processes including cell cycle control, stem cell maintenance, modulation of insulin signaling, glucose homeostasis, macropinocytosis, autophagy, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Aberrant regulation of these microRNAs is implicated in cancer progression (promoting metastasis and proliferation), metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes (where they modulate insulin sensitivity by targeting caveolin-1), and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease (where reduced levels are linked to progression and cognitive decline). Circulating levels of miR-103 and miR-107 may serve as biomarkers for several diseases, but these microRNAs are not receptors, enzymes, or proteins—they are regulatory RNAs that fine-tune gene networks vital for cellular homeostasis and disease.

Other names

miR-103/107 familymiR-103miR-107miRs-103/107

Oligonucleotide inhibitors (antagomirs) or mimetics modulate levels of miR-103/107, resulting in downstream gene expression changes by de-repressing or enhancing the expression of specific mRNA targets (e.g., caveolin-1, Dicer, PTGS2, Wnt3a, NEDD9)