MicroRNA 221-3p (miR-221-3p) (miR-221-3p)

MicroRNA 221-3p (miR-221-3p) is a small non-coding RNA molecule that functions as a critical post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression by binding to the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of target messenger RNAs [1]. It is widely recognized as an 'oncomiR' because it is frequently overexpressed in a variety of human cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer, and glioblastoma [2]. The primary biological role of miR-221-3p in these contexts is to promote cell cycle progression and inhibit apoptosis by downregulating key tumor suppressor genes, most notably the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors p27 (Kip1) and p57 (Kip2) [3]. Beyond oncology, miR-221-3p is involved in the regulation of vascular biology, where it influences endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis, as well as inflammatory responses [4]. Because of its central role in disease progression, miR-221-3p is a significant target for therapeutic intervention. Current drug development strategies focus on the use of antisense oligonucleotides, such as antagomirs or locked nucleic acids (LNAs), which are designed to complementarily bind and sequester the mature miRNA, thereby restoring the expression of its target tumor suppressors [5].

Other names

hsa-miR-221-3pMIR221MicroRNA 221miR-221

Antisense inhibition of microRNA activity using synthetic oligonucleotides that complementarily bind to the mature miRNA sequence, preventing it from interacting with target mRNA transcripts [5].