MicroRNA 146b (miR-146b)

MicroRNA 146b (miR-146b) is a non-coding RNA molecule of the microRNA class that is involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. It acts mainly by binding to complementary sequences in the 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs) of specific target mRNAs, leading to repression of translation or mRNA degradation. miR-146b is expressed in various tissues and cell types, with regulatory functions in immunity, inflammation, cell differentiation—including skeletal myogenesis and hematopoiesis—and mitochondrial metabolism[1][2][3][4]. It negatively regulates pro-inflammatory signaling by targeting genes such as IRAK1 and TRAF6 in immune cells, and also acts as a regulator of muscle and blood cell differentiation by downregulating targets including Notch1, Smad4, Hmga2, and PDGFRA. Dysregulation of miR-146b expression has been implicated in the development of cancer, inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular disease, and age-related functional changes in tissues[1][2][3][4]. To date, no approved drugs are known to directly target miR-146b, but there is mechanistic evidence supporting its role as a potential therapeutic target in inflammation, immune modulation, and tissue regeneration.

Other names

MIR146Bhsa-mir-146bMIRN146BmiRNA146Bmir-146b

Post-transcriptional gene silencing by binding to 3′UTRs of target mRNAs, leading to mRNA degradation or translational repression. Direct repression of targets such as Smad4, Notch1, Hmga2, IRAK1, TRAF6, PDGFRA.