microRNA 133a-1 (miR-133a-1)

MicroRNA 133a-1 (miR-133a-1) is a highly conserved, muscle-enriched microRNA that functions as a post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression in both normal physiology and disease states[1][3][4]. As part of the myomiRNA family, it is vital for cardiac and skeletal muscle development and plays a tumor-suppressive role in various cancers through direct repression of genes that promote proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and chemoresistance[1][2][3]. Downregulation of miR-133a-1 is commonly observed in cancers including colorectal, esophageal, non-small cell lung, breast, bladder, and gastric cancer, among others[1]. It targets a broad array of oncogenes such as EGFR, SOX4, FSCN1, and IGF1R, impacting major signaling pathways (e.g., EGFR/RAS/ERK, PI3K/AKT)[1]. Restoration or mimicking of miR-133a-1 is being investigated as a therapeutic strategy, and its circulating levels are emerging as minimally invasive biomarkers for early cancer detection and prognosis[1].

Other names

hsa-mir-133a-1MIR133A1MIRN133A1mir-133a-1

Not directly targeted by current drugs, but modulation of miR-133a levels has anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects in cancer cells[1][2][4]. Indirect inhibition of oncogenic pathways (e.g., EGFR, PI3K/AKT) via restoration or mimicking of miR-133a activity[1].