microRNA 148a (miR-148a)

**microRNA 148a (miR-148a)** is a short, non-coding RNA (microRNA) involved in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression through base pairing with target mRNAs, resulting in mRNA degradation or translation inhibition[2]. miR-148a is implicated in various physiological processes including **cell differentiation, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis**. In pathophysiology, it acts as a tumor suppressor or oncogene depending on context, being downregulated in several cancers (breast, lung, liver, gastric, pancreatic, brain, among others) and associated with metastatic potential and prognostic outcomes[4][6][7]. It targets a wide range of cellular pathways—including DNA methylation (DNMT1), growth factor signaling (IGF-IR, MET), and cell motility (ROCK1)—and is also involved in immune cell function and adipogenesis[4][1][5]. miR-148a is under investigation as a biomarker for cancer progression and possibly as a therapeutic target, but no approved drugs currently act directly on this microRNA[4][6].

Other names

MIR148Ahsa-mir-148amir-148aMIRN148Ahsa-mir-148MIRN148microRNA 148hsa-miR-148a-5phsa-miR-148a-3p

Suppression of target mRNAs via RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), causing translational repression or mRNA degradation. Indirect modulation of signaling pathways via targeting specific genes (e.g., DNMT1, ROCK1, IRS1, IGF-IR, MET, SMAD2)[4][2]. Modulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, EMT, and immune evasion by targeting relevant pathway genes[4][3].