MicroRNA 181b-3p (miR-181b-3p) (miR-181b-3p)

MicroRNA 181b-3p (miR-181b-3p), formerly known as miR-181b*, is a small non-coding RNA molecule that serves as a pivotal post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression [1, 3]. As a member of the miR-181 family, it functions by binding to the 3'-untranslated regions of target mRNAs, such as YWHAG and SNX2, to inhibit their translation or promote their degradation [7, 8]. miR-181b-3p plays a complex role in human pathology, acting as an oncogene in several cancers—including breast and colorectal cancer—by facilitating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and promoting metastasis [7, 8]. Beyond oncology, it is involved in regulating vascular inflammation and endothelial function, with dysregulated levels observed in cardiovascular diseases like heart failure and atherosclerosis [1, 4, 12]. It also modulates immune response pathways, specifically by influencing NF-κB signaling through targets like importin-α3 [1]. Although no specific branded drugs have yet been approved for this target, miR-181b-3p is a focus of therapeutic research involving the use of miRNA mimics and antagomirs [2, 19]. Additionally, its stability in blood makes it a valuable circulating biomarker for non-invasive disease diagnosis and patient monitoring [4, 5].

Other names

hsa-miR-181b-3pMicroRNA 181b*MIR181B1MIR181B2MIMAT0022692

Post-transcriptional gene silencing via the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), which mediates binding to the 3'-untranslated regions (3' UTR) of target mRNAs to cause translational repression or mRNA degradation.