MicroRNA-18a (miR-18a)

MicroRNA-18a is a highly conserved small non-coding RNA, part of the polycistronic miR-17-92 cluster, and a regulatory molecule involved in post-transcriptional gene silencing through interaction with complementary sequences in target mRNAs. MiR-18a plays a critical role in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, and differentiation. Its expression is frequently dysregulated in a range of human cancers, where it can act as either an oncogene or a tumor suppressor depending on the tumor type and stage. In cancer, miR-18a is known to modulate the activity of signaling pathways such as STAT3 via PIAS3 and mTOR via SMG1, impacting tumorigenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Biogenesis of miR-18a involves tightly regulated steps including binding of specific RNA-binding proteins like hnRNP A1, which facilitate its processing. Although not currently associated with any approved drugs, miR-18a is being studied as a biomarker for cancer diagnosis and prognosis and as a potential oligonucleotide therapy target. Its dual role in promoting or inhibiting malignant progression poses both therapeutic potential and safety challenges[1][2][3].

Other names

hsa-mir-18ahsa-mir-18C13orf25MIR17HGMIR18MIRH1MIRHG1MIRN18MIRN18AmiR-18miRNA18Amir-18aPutative microRNA 17 host gene proteinPutative microRNA host gene 1 protein

Oligonucleotide-based modulation (experimental), including antisense inhibition and direct targeting and suppression of mRNA targets (e.g., PIAS3, SMG1).