MicroRNA-141 (miR-141)

MicroRNA-141 (miR-141) is a member of the miR-200 family of non-coding RNAs that plays a pivotal role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. It functions primarily by binding to the 3-untranslated regions of target messenger RNAs, leading to translational inhibition or mRNA degradation. miR-141 is a critical regulator of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by targeting the transcription factors ZEB1 and ZEB2, which are essential for maintaining the epithelial phenotype and preventing metastasis. In human disease, miR-141 exhibits a complex, context-dependent role, acting as a tumor suppressor in cancers such as gastric and renal cell carcinoma, while functioning as an oncogene in prostate and colorectal cancers. Beyond oncology, miR-141 is involved in the pathology of ischemic stroke and inflammatory conditions like sepsis, where its modulation has shown therapeutic potential in preclinical models. It is also highly regarded as a non-invasive circulating biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of various malignancies due to its stability in plasma and serum. Therapeutic interventions currently under investigation include the use of miRNA mimics to restore its suppressive function or antagomirs and peptide nucleic acids to inhibit its oncogenic activity.

Other names

MIR141hsa-miR-141miR-141-3pmiR-141-5pMIRN141mir-141

RNA interference, Translational repression, mRNA degradation