MicroRNA 124a (miR-124a)

MicroRNA 124a is a small non-coding RNA that serves as a master regulator of gene expression within the central nervous system, where it is one of the most abundantly expressed microRNAs. It plays a pivotal role in neurogenesis and neuronal differentiation by post-transcriptionally silencing non-neuronal genes, thereby facilitating the transition of progenitor cells into mature, functional neurons. In addition to its developmental roles, MicroRNA 124a functions as a significant tumor suppressor in various cancers, including glioblastoma and hepatocellular carcinoma, by inhibiting pathways associated with cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Its downregulation is frequently observed in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, where it is linked to increased neuroinflammation and protein aggregation. Therapeutic strategies currently under investigation involve the use of MicroRNA 124a mimics and agomirs to restore physiological levels and suppress disease progression. Furthermore, its presence in circulating biofluids like plasma and cerebrospinal fluid makes it a valuable diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for ischemic stroke and other central nervous system injuries.

Other names

hsa-miR-124ahsa-miR-124-3pMIR124AMIRN124-1MicroRNA 124-1MicroRNA 124a-1

MicroRNA 124a acts through post-transcriptional gene silencing by incorporating into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) and binding to complementary sequences in the 3' untranslated regions (UTR) of target messenger RNAs, leading to mRNA degradation or translational inhibition.