MicroRNA 181d (miR-181d)

MicroRNA 181d (miR-181d) is a small, non-coding RNA molecule belonging to the miR-181 microRNA family, which plays a key role in post-transcriptional gene regulation by either inhibiting the translation of or inducing the degradation of target messenger RNAs[1][5]. miR-181d is notable for its involvement in several physiological and pathological processes, including cell differentiation, apoptosis, immune response, metabolism, and the stress response. It is highly expressed in hematopoietic cells and has been identified as a stress-responsive microRNA, with its expression tightly regulated during immune responses and in disease contexts such as cancer[3]. miR-181d acts as a tumor suppressor in multiple cancers—downregulation correlates with poor prognosis and increased oncogene expression (e.g., K-ras, MGMT)[2][6]. Its levels can serve as plasma and tissue biomarkers for tumor progression, particularly in meningioma and glioblastoma[2]. While there are no drugs approved that directly target miR-181d, several agents (such as vitamin D analogs) have been shown to modulate miR-181 family members, and miR-181d's broad regulatory roles present both therapeutic opportunities and challenges, including the risk of off-target effects due to modulation of numerous target genes[4][5].

Other names

hsa-mir-181dMIRN181Dmir-181dMIR181D

Modulation of miR-181d regulates expression of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (e.g., downregulation of MGMT, K-ras, and Bcl2), affecting apoptosis, cell differentiation, and drug resistance. It also involves modulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and bioenergetics through targeting genes such as PPARGC1A and NRF1. Furthermore, it functions through inhibition of translation and/or degradation of target mRNAs.