microRNA-21-3p (miR-21-3p)

MicroRNA-21-3p (miR-21-3p) is a small, non-coding RNA derived from the 3' arm ("passenger strand") of the hairpin precursor miR-21, encoded by the MIR21 gene in humans. While the guide strand (miR-21-5p) is more abundantly expressed, miR-21-3p remains biologically active and regulates gene expression at the post-transcriptional level by binding to partially complementary sites in the 3' untranslated region of target mRNAs, leading to their degradation or translational repression. miR-21-3p has confirmed roles in several physiological and pathological processes, including regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, cancer progression, cardiovascular remodeling, and immune cell polarization. It has been experimentally shown to directly target mRNAs such as CPT1A and RBPMS, impacting cellular metabolism, inflammation, and drug sensitivity. Because of its central involvement in disease states, especially in cancer and cardiac disorders, miR-21-3p is actively investigated as a therapeutic target using antisense oligonucleotide inhibitors and as a potential biomarker for disease diagnosis and prognosis.

Other names

miR-21-3phsa-miR-21-3pMIR21-3pmiRNA-21-3pMIRN21-3p

Antisense oligonucleotides: Bind to miR-21-3p, preventing its incorporation into RISC and thus blocking its function. miRNA mimics: Synthetic miR-21-3p can be overexpressed in cells to study or enhance its regulatory effects. RNA sponges and circRNAs: sequester miR-21-3p and reduce its activity.