MicroRNA 181b-2 (miR-181b-2)

MicroRNA 181b-2 (miR-181b-2) is a small, non-coding RNA molecule encoded by the MIR181B2 gene that acts as a post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression by binding to complementary sequences on target mRNAs[4]. It is one of several closely related members of the miR-181 family. miR-181b-2 is involved in the negative regulation of endothelial cell activation and vascular inflammation via suppression of importin-α3, thereby inhibiting NF-κB nuclear translocation and downstream inflammatory gene expression[1]. In cancer, miR-181b plays a tumor-suppressive role by inhibiting cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis, at least partly through direct targeting and downregulation of HMGB1[2]. Decreased expression of miR-181b has been observed in diverse cancers (such as non-small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, glioma, and others), sepsis, and cardiovascular inflammation, and restoration of its level is being explored as a therapeutic strategy[1][2][5]. Its expression level serves as a potential biomarker for disease progression and prognosis, especially in glioma, where it correlates with tumor grade, mutation status, and patient survival[5]. To date, there are no FDA-approved drugs targeting microRNA 181b-2, but miRNA mimics and antagomirs are being experimentally assessed. Safety concerns include specificity of delivery, off-target effects, and broader disturbances in physiological gene regulation.

Other names

hsa-mir-181b-2MIRN181B2mir-181b-2MIR181B2

Targeted mRNA translation inhibition (notably importin-α3 and HMGB1), modulation of NF-κB signaling, inhibition of oncogenic gene products