MicroRNA-126-3p (miR-126-3p) (miR-126-3p)

MicroRNA-126-3p is a highly conserved, endothelial-specific microRNA located within the seventh intron of the EGFL7 gene that plays a critical role in maintaining vascular homeostasis and regulating angiogenesis (Fish et al., 2008). It functions primarily by suppressing the expression of SPRED1 and PIK3R2 (p85-beta), which are negative regulators of the VEGF/MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, respectively (Wang et al., 2008). By inhibiting these repressors, miR-126-3p enhances the sensitivity of endothelial cells to growth factors, promoting proliferation, migration, and tube formation. In cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction, circulating miR-126-3p levels are frequently reduced, which serves as a biomarker for endothelial dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risk (Zampetaki et al., 2010). In the context of oncology, miR-126-3p often acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting cell cycle progression and metastasis, though its role can be context-dependent (Witkowski et al., 2016). Therapeutic strategies under investigation include the use of miRNA mimics to restore vascular function in ischemic tissues and antagomirs to modulate its activity in specific cancers. However, the clinical translation of miR-126-3p-based therapies is currently limited by challenges in tissue-specific delivery and the potential for off-target effects in non-vascular tissues.

Other names

hsa-miR-126-3pmiR-126MicroRNA 126miR-126-3p

Post-transcriptional gene silencing through mRNA degradation or translational repression by binding to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs, specifically targeting SPRED1 and PIK3R2 (Fish et al., 2008; Wang et al., 2008).