MicroRNA-202 (miR-202)

MicroRNA-202 is a small non-coding RNA of the let-7 family that regulates gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by binding to complementary sequences in target mRNAs, leading to mRNA degradation or translational repression. It is highly expressed in the gonads and plays essential roles in both male and female reproduction: maintaining chromosomal synapsis and ensuring proper meiotic progression in spermatogenesis[1], and regulating follicle recruitment, growth, and granulosa cell development in oogenesis[5]. In cancer biology, miR-202 generally functions as a tumor suppressor by targeting various oncogenes (such as FGF2, PTEN, AKT, MTDH, FOXR2, KRAS) and regulating key pathways like Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT; its loss is associated with increased growth, invasion, and metastatic potential in multiple human malignancies[2][3]. Expression levels of miR-202 are under complex regulation by upstream molecules such as long non-coding RNAs (e.g., MALAT1, NORAD, NEAT1)[3]. Its expression profiles serve as a promising biomarker for cancer prognosis and diagnosis, while its modulation presents possible avenues for future cancer therapies, though there are currently no approved drugs directly targeting miR-202[3].

Other names

MIR202hsa-mir-202MIRN202mir-202miR-202-3pmiR-202-5p

No approved drugs are currently known to target miR-202 directly; it acts at the RNA level to regulate target gene expression.