MicroRNA 181a-1 (MIR181A1)

MicroRNA 181a-1 (MIR181A1) is a short, non-coding RNA molecule that post-transcriptionally regulates gene expression by binding to target mRNAs, primarily resulting in translational repression or mRNA destabilization. Like other microRNAs, it is processed from a primary transcript (pri-miRNA) to a mature miRNA via the Drosha and Dicer ribonucleases and then incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). MIR181A1 regulates many key genes involved in cell differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, and immune response, and its dysregulation has been associated with a variety of diseases, particularly cancers such as multiple myeloma, gastric cancer, breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and endometrial carcinoma. Depending on context, it may act as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor. Alteration of MIR181A1 levels can impact cancer cell cycle progression, migration, invasion, and response to therapy; thus, it has potential as both a biomarker and a novel therapeutic target, though no approved drugs specifically target miR-181a-1 as of now.

Other names

hsa-mir-213MIR213MIRN181A1MIRN213hsa-mir-181a-1mir-181a-1mir-213microRNA 213

Synthetic miR-181a-1 inhibitors: inhibit miR-181a-1 function, potentially restoring the expression of its mRNA targets (e.g., CCND1, Caprin-1, RB1) miRNA mimics: can be used to increase miR-181a-1 levels where its suppressor role is needed