MicroRNA 23a (miR-23a)

MicroRNA 23a (miR-23a) is a short non-coding RNA molecule (~22 nucleotides) involved in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression, primarily by promoting degradation or translational inhibition of target messenger RNAs[3]. Encoded within the conserved miR-23a~27a~24-2 cluster on chromosome 9q22, miR-23a has critical roles in biological processes such as myelination in the central nervous system (by modulating genes like PTEN and long non-coding RNAs involved in oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelin synthesis[1]), cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, immune response, and hypertrophic cardiac remodeling (acting downstream of NFATc3)[6]. Dysregulation of miR-23a is implicated in several cancers (often promoting oncogenic phenotypes and influencing the tumor microenvironment)[2][4][5], cardiovascular hypertrophy[6], and demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis[1]. Circulating and tissue levels of miR-23a serve as biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis, notably in cancer[4][5]. miR-23a is a candidate therapeutic target, with research focusing on oligonucleotide-based modulation strategies, though no approved drugs currently target this miRNA directly[5].

Other names

MIR23Ahsa-mir-23aMIRN23AmiRNA23Amir-23a

Inhibitors (antagomiRs/antisense oligonucleotides) bind miR-23a to block its activity. Mimics supplement endogenous miR-23a to enhance its function.