MicroRNA-205 (miR-205)

MicroRNA-205 (miR-205) is a highly conserved non-coding RNA that plays a critical role in maintaining epithelial phenotype and regulating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by targeting transcription factors such as ZEB1 and ZEB2. It is uniquely characterized by its dual role in oncology, acting as a tumor suppressor in some cancers, like breast and prostate cancer, while functioning as an oncogene in others, such as squamous cell carcinoma. Beyond malignancy, miR-205 is involved in wound healing, skin development, and the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. Therapeutic strategies targeting miR-205 involve the use of synthetic mimics to replenish lost expression or antagomirs to block overexpressed miR-205, though precise delivery remains a significant hurdle. As a biomarker, its expression levels in biofluids and tissues offer diagnostic and prognostic value across various solid tumors.

Other names

MIR205hsa-miR-205MIRN205MicroRNA 205

MicroRNA-205 functions primarily through the RNA interference (RNAi) pathway, where it binds to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target messenger RNAs (mRNAs), leading to translational inhibition or mRNA degradation. In therapeutic contexts, miR-205 mimics are used to restore its tumor-suppressive function, while antagomirs are employed to inhibit its oncogenic activity in specific tissues.