MicroRNA 194-5p (miR-194-5p)

Mature miR-194-5p is a small non-coding RNA molecule that functions as a critical regulator of gene expression at the post-transcriptional level (PMID: 28656234). It is derived from the processing of pre-miR-194 and is often found in genomic clusters with miR-192 or miR-215. This microRNA is widely recognized as a tumor suppressor in various malignancies, including gastric, colorectal, and liver cancers, where its downregulation is associated with increased tumor progression and poor prognosis (PMID: 30106411). It exerts its effects by binding to the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of target mRNAs such as BMI1, E2F3, and BCL2, thereby inhibiting their translation or promoting their degradation (PMID: 25673450). In addition to its role in oncology, miR-194-5p is involved in maintaining epithelial cell phenotypes and has been linked to the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease and liver fibrosis (PMID: 25344505). Therapeutic development focuses on miR-194 mimics to restore its suppressive function in cancer or antagomirs to modulate its activity in fibrotic conditions. However, clinical application is currently limited by the need for efficient, tissue-specific delivery systems and the risk of off-target effects (PMID: 31435354).

Other names

hsa-miR-194-5pmiR-194MicroRNA 194MIR194

Binds to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs to induce mRNA degradation or inhibit protein translation via the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC).