MicroRNA-146a-5p (miR-146a-5p)

MicroRNA-146a-5p (miR-146a-5p) is a highly conserved, small non-coding RNA that serves as a critical negative feedback regulator of the innate immune response and inflammatory signaling (PMC6034544). It is primarily induced by the transcription factor NF-κB in response to pro-inflammatory stimuli such as Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands or cytokines like IL-1β and TNF-α (Spandidos Publications, 2022). Once expressed, miR-146a-5p post-transcriptionally silences key signal transducers, specifically Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), thereby dampening the inflammatory cascade (iScience, 2021). Beyond its role in immunity, miR-146a-5p is frequently dysregulated in various cancers, where it can function as either a tumor suppressor or an oncomiR depending on the tissue context, influencing cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis (PubMed, 2019). Due to its central role in controlling chronic inflammation and oncogenesis, miR-146a-5p is being actively explored as both a diagnostic biomarker and a therapeutic target (PMC8633977). Therapeutic strategies under investigation include the use of miR-146a mimics to treat inflammatory diseases and certain cancers, as well as antagomirs to block its activity in conditions where it is pathologically overexpressed (ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2024).

Other names

MIR146Ahsa-miR-146a-5pmiR-146aMicroRNA 146a

Post-transcriptional gene silencing of target mRNAs, specifically Interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1) and TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), to inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway.