MicroRNA-17 family (miR-17 family)

The microRNA-17 family is a cluster of highly conserved non-coding RNAs that function as post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. This family is primarily transcribed from the miR-17~92 cluster, which is frequently amplified or overexpressed in a wide range of cancers, earning it the designation "Oncomir-1." These microRNAs promote cell cycle progression, inhibit apoptosis, and stimulate angiogenesis by targeting tumor suppressors such as PTEN and BIM (He et al., Nature, 2005). Beyond its role in oncology, the miR-17 family has been identified as a major driver of cyst growth in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) by modulating metabolic pathways and proliferation (Lakhia et al., JCI, 2019). Therapeutic targeting of the miR-17 family involves the use of antisense oligonucleotides, known as antimiRs, which competitively bind to the microRNA to prevent it from silencing its target mRNAs. Clinical-stage candidates like RGLS8429 are currently being investigated for their ability to slow disease progression in ADPKD patients by inhibiting miR-17 activity (Regulus Therapeutics, 2024).

Other names

miR-17~92 clusterOncomir-1miR-17/20/93/106 familymiR-17-5pmiR-17-3p

Antisense inhibition of microRNA activity via oligonucleotide binding to the seed sequence, preventing translational repression of target mRNAs.