microRNA 128-1 (miR-128-1)

MicroRNA 128-1 is a small non-coding RNA originally identified as a brain-enriched miRNA, with strong expression in differentiated neuronal cells and a key role in nervous system development and function[2]. It is one of two genes (miR-128-1 and miR-128-2) that generate the mature miR-128 form, with miR-128-1 located within the intronic region of the R3HDM1 gene on chromosome 2q21.3. miR-128-1 regulates oncogenic and stem cell factors such as BMI-1, NANOG, and TGFBR1, acting as a tumor suppressor in glioblastoma, prostate, and lung cancer by inhibiting cell proliferation, self-renewal, and angiogenesis[1][2]. Its tumor suppressive function is executed through direct downregulation of these target genes, leading to reduced cancer stem cell maintenance and tumor growth. Aberrant expression of miR-128-1—whether downregulation in solid tumors or context-dependent upregulation—has been linked to cancer aggressiveness, therapy resistance, and altered prognosis[1][2]. Restoration or inhibition of miR-128-1 is under preclinical investigation as a therapeutic strategy in multiple malignancies. No small-molecule drugs targeting miR-128-1 exist at this time, but gene therapy approaches leveraging synthetic miRNA mimics or antisense technologies are in experimental development[2].

Other names

hsa-mir-128ahsa-mir-128-1mir-128-1MIR128AMIRN128-1MIRN128AmicroRNA 128aMIR128-1

miR-128-1 functions by binding to complementary sequences in target mRNAs, leading to mRNA degradation or inhibition of translation (post-transcriptional repression). Candidate therapeutic mechanisms include miR-128-1 mimicry to downregulate oncogene expression, or inhibition to reverse tumor suppressor effects in settings where its activity is deleterious.