microRNA-206 (miR-206)

MicroRNA-206 is a small, single-stranded non-coding RNA and a member of the myomiR family, primarily expressed in skeletal muscle[1][2][3]. It is encoded on human chromosome 6 (6p12.2) and highly conserved across mammals[1]. miR-206 is transcribed by RNA polymerase II, processed through Drosha and Dicer enzymes, and incorporated into the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), where it binds target mRNAs—typically at the 3' untranslated region—to repress translation or mediate mRNA decay[1][3][4]. miR-206 plays a central role in skeletal muscle differentiation, regeneration, and maintenance, acting as a key regulator in muscle-specific gene expression networks[1][2][3][4]. It also modulates genes involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis, and is implicated in pathological processes including muscular dystrophy, cardiac dysfunction, and various cancers such as breast cancer and mesothelioma[2][3]. High or aberrant expression of miR-206 can serve as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker, especially in muscle injury and cancer. Currently, there are no specific therapeutic drugs that directly target miR-206, but its modulation is an area of active preclinical research for diseases in which it plays a causal or contributory role[3].

Other names

hsa-mir-206MIRN206miRNA206mir-206hsa-miR-206MIR206

Post-transcriptional gene silencing via RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) Binding to 3'-UTR of target mRNAs, leading to translational repression or mRNA degradation