MicroRNA 211 (miR-211)

MicroRNA 211 is a small, non-coding RNA located within the intron of the TRPM1 gene on chromosome 15q13-q14[5]. After biogenesis, miR-211 forms two mature strands (miR-211-5p, miR-211-3p) that regulate gene networks by binding to complementary sequences in target mRNAs, leading to their degradation or translational repression[5]. It has diverse functions in normal physiology—regulating cell cycle progression, differentiation (particularly in melanocytes, neural crest-derived cells, osteoblasts, and retinal cells), apoptosis, and metabolic homeostasis[2][6]. In cancer, miR-211 can act as a tumor suppressor (e.g., inhibiting cell migration/metastasis) or as an oncogene (promoting proliferation and EMT) depending on tissue and mutation context[1][5]. Key molecular targets include transcription factors (BRN2, SOX11, SOX4, SNAI1, ZEB2), signaling proteins (TGFBR2, IGF2R, SSRP1, KCNMA1), chromatin modulators, enzymes (ACSL4), and cell cycle regulators[2][3][5]. miR-211 expression is tightly regulated by transcription factors (MITF, TCF12) and epigenetic mechanisms, responding rapidly to environmental cues such as ER stress or metabolic change[3][6]. Dysregulation drives pathogenesis in cancer, retinal degeneration, fibrosis, and autoimmune disease, making it a candidate therapeutic target and biomarker for several disease states[2][5][6].

Other names

MIR211hsa-mir-211mir-211MIRN211miR-211-5pmiR-211-3p

Gene silencing via mRNA degradation (e.g., downregulation of TGFBR2, SNAI1, KIT, BRN2, IGF2R, KCNMA1); Inhibition of cell cycle and proliferation; Suppression of EMT and metastasis; Epigenetic modulation (histone methylation, chromatin remodeling)