MicroRNA 1912 (miR-1912)

MicroRNA 1912 (miR-1912) is a primate-conserved, small non-coding RNA (∼22 nucleotides) found within the intron of the serotonin receptor 2C (HTR2C) gene on the X chromosome. It functions primarily as a post-transcriptional regulator, binding to the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs to suppress their expression. The most characterized direct target is proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a key modulator of cholesterol metabolism. miR-1912 represses PCSK9, resulting in increased LDL receptor (LDLR) expression and enhanced LDL uptake, lowering circulating cholesterol in experimental models. Its endogenous expression is tissue-specific and low in liver cells, but it is detectable in neuronal tissues and lymphocytes. miR-1912 currently represents a promising, though experimental, therapeutic and biomarker target for disorders associated with cholesterol dysregulation, notably hypercholesterolemia. Clinical development and application remain in preclinical stages.

Other names

hsa-miR-1912MIR1912MIRN1912mir-1912hsa-miR-1912-3p

miR-1912 targets the 3′ UTR of PCSK9 mRNA, leading to decreased PCSK9 expression and increased LDL receptor expression, resulting in enhanced uptake of LDL and reduced blood cholesterol.