MicroRNA 224 (miR-224)

MicroRNA 224 (miR-224) is a short non-coding RNA molecule of the microRNA class that is involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression by targeting specific mRNAs for translational repression or degradation[2]. It is expressed in various tissues and has been implicated in the regulation of cellular processes such as cell proliferation, migration, the cell cycle, and apoptosis[1][3][4]. miR-224 acts as an oncogenic miRNA ('onco-miR') in multiple human cancers—including hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, ovarian cancer, and non-small cell lung cancer—by targeting tumor suppressor genes such as glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT), SMAD4, TNFα-induced protein 1 (TNFAIP1), and caspase-3/7[3][4][5][1]. Dysregulation and increased expression of miR-224 contribute to tumor progression, metastasis, and chemoresistance, and its expression levels are of interest as potential prognostic biomarkers in various cancers[1][4]. The molecule may also play roles in immune regulation and angiogenesis following stroke[1]. To date, no direct druggable small molecule inhibitors of miR-224 are approved, but anti-miR or mimic strategies may be of therapeutic interest due to its pathogenic roles.

Other names

hsa-mir-224MIR224MIRN224miRNA224hsa-mir-224-5phsa-mir-224-3p

MicroRNA 224 (miR-224) inhibits mRNA translation via the RISC complex and/or promotes mRNA degradation or destabilization of target transcripts. Key targets include GNMT, SMAD4, TNFAIP1, caspase-3, and caspase-7.