MicroRNA-200b (miR-200b)

MicroRNA-200b is a member of the miR-200 family, playing a pivotal role in maintaining the epithelial phenotype by suppressing the expression of transcriptional repressors ZEB1 and ZEB2. This regulation is crucial in the context of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process often hijacked by cancer cells to facilitate metastasis and chemoresistance. Beyond oncology, miR-200b is involved in regulating fibrotic pathways, angiogenesis, and glucose metabolism, making it a versatile target for various pathological conditions. In therapeutic development, miR-200b is primarily targeted using miRNA mimics to restore its tumor-suppressive functions or antagomirs to inhibit its activity in fibrotic or angiogenic diseases. While most interventions remain in the preclinical or early clinical stages, the molecule serves as a significant biomarker for disease progression and treatment response. Challenges in targeting miR-200b include ensuring precise delivery to target tissues and minimizing off-target silencing of unintended genetic pathways.

Other names

MIR200Bhsa-miR-200bMIRN200BMicroRNA 200bhsa-miR-200b-3phsa-miR-200b-5p

Post-transcriptional gene silencing through base-pairing with the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), leading to mRNA degradation or translational inhibition.