microRNA-218-5p (miR-218-5p)

microRNA-218-5p is a short, non-coding RNA molecule that functions as a post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression by targeting messenger RNAs (mRNAs) for degradation or translational inhibition[1][2][3][4]. It is encoded within introns of SLIT2 and SLIT3 genes. miR-218-5p is implicated in several biological processes including regulation of cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and extracellular matrix synthesis. It plays pivotal roles in multiple disease contexts: it is pro-apoptotic and promotes cartilage destruction via regulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in osteoarthritis[1], and may act as either a tumor suppressor or oncogene in various cancers, affecting key targets such as RUNX2, LRIG1, and survivin[2][3]. Elevated miR-218-5p expression can serve as a biomarker for disease progression or prognosis in osteoarthritis and several cancers. Therapeutically, modulating miR-218-5p (e.g., using inhibitors or mimics) is being explored for diseases such as osteoarthritis and cancer, although challenges such as delivery, specificity, and potential for off-target effects remain[1][2][3][4].

Other names

miR-218-5pmiRNA-218-5phsa-miR-218-5p

Targeted gene silencing via mRNA degradation or translational repression