MicroRNA 26a-2 (miR-26a-2)

MicroRNA 26a-2 (miR-26a-2) is a small, non-coding RNA molecule belonging to the miR-26 family of microRNAs, which post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression by binding to the 3′ untranslated region of target mRNAs, thereby leading to degradation or inhibition of translation[4][1][2]. The mature miR-26a-2 sequence is highly conserved and plays critical roles in cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis in normal development and disease[1][4]. miR-26a-2 is implicated as a tumor suppressor in cancers such as breast cancer and bladder cancer, where it is often downregulated, but can also function as an oncogene (oncomiR) in tumors like glioblastoma and liposarcoma, where it is frequently amplified and promotes cell proliferation and survival by targeting tumor suppressor genes such as PTEN and RB1[1][2][3]. miR-26a-2’s dysregulation has been explored as both a diagnostic/prognostic biomarker and a putative therapeutic target, but challenges remain due to its context-dependent effects and the potential for broad off-target consequences.

Other names

hsa-miR-26a-2MIRN26A2MIR26A2mir-26a-2

Regulation of mRNA stability and translation by binding to 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTR) of target mRNAs; tumor suppressor or oncomiR activity depending on context; gene silencing