MicroRNA-203a-3p (miR-203a-3p)

MicroRNA-203a-3p is a single-stranded, non-coding RNA of 21–23 nucleotides that acts as a potent post-transcriptional regulator. In human cancer biology, it generally functions as a tumor suppressor: its expression is frequently downregulated in tumor tissues, and overexpression inhibits proliferation, migration, invasion, and promotes apoptosis in cancer cell lines. This molecule represses gene expression by binding to target mRNAs (such as thrombospondin 2, SLUG, MAP3K1, and PIK3CA), thus impacting critical cancer-related signaling pathways, including PI3K/Akt and Wnt. Its role is under active investigation for cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy.

Other names

miR-203a-3pMIR203A (precursor gene)hsa-miR-203a-3p (human homolog; hsa=Homo sapiens)microRNA-203MIR203

Therapeutic use of *miR-203a-3p mimics* restores or increases miR-203a-3p levels to repress oncogenic targets such as THBS2, SLUG, MAP3K1, and PIK3CA. Anti-miR oligonucleotides may inhibit endogenous miR-203a-3p in conditions where its function is abnormal.