MicroRNA 146a-3p (miR-146a-3p) (miR-146a-3p)

MicroRNA 146a-3p (miR-146a-3p) is a small, non-coding RNA molecule derived from the 3' arm of the pre-miR-146a hairpin. While historically considered a passenger strand, it is now recognized as a functional regulator of gene expression across various physiological and pathological processes, particularly in the immune system and oncology [1, 7]. miR-146a-3p functions by binding to the 3'-untranslated regions (3'-UTR) of target mRNAs, such as NF-κB, MBD2, and IRAK1, leading to their degradation or translational inhibition [4, 5, 13]. In cardiovascular disease, it has been shown to alleviate atherosclerosis by inactivating NF-κB-mediated inflammatory responses [4]. Conversely, in certain respiratory conditions like severe asthma, it modulates Th17 cell differentiation by targeting MBD2 [5]. Its role in cancer is complex, acting as a tumor suppressor in some tissues while potentially promoting malignancy in others [14]. Therapeutic strategies currently focus on the use of synthetic miRNA mimics to restore its function or antagomirs to inhibit its activity in disease-specific contexts [7, 12].

Other names

hsa-miR-146a-3pMicroRNA 146a*MIR146AmiR-146a-3p

Post-transcriptional gene silencing via mRNA degradation or translational repression by binding to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of target mRNAs.