MicroRNA 148a-5p (miR-148a-5p) (miR-148a-5p)

MicroRNA 148a-5p (miR-148a-5p) is a small non-coding RNA molecule that serves as a critical post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression (PubMed: 28633218). It belongs to the miR-148/152 family and is generated from the 5' arm of the pre-miR-148a precursor. This microRNA is involved in various biological processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, and the regulation of lipid metabolism, particularly cholesterol homeostasis (NIH: PMC5564445). In clinical research, miR-148a-5p is frequently identified as a tumor suppressor in several cancers, such as gastric and liver cancer, where its downregulation promotes oncogenesis (PubMed: 30213456). It also plays a prominent role in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus by targeting DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), which affects T-cell function (PubMed: 20453002). Therapeutic approaches currently under investigation include the use of miRNA mimics to restore its suppressive function in cancer or antagomirs to modulate its activity in metabolic and inflammatory conditions (PubMed: 25760370). However, the clinical advancement of miR-148a-5p-targeted therapies is currently limited by challenges in tissue-specific delivery and the potential for off-target effects.

Other names

hsa-miR-148a-5pMIR148AMicroRNA 148amiR-148a

Binds to complementary sequences in the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs, leading to mRNA cleavage or inhibition of translation via the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) (PubMed: 28633218).