MicroRNA-26b (miR-26b)

MicroRNA-26b (miR-26b) is a small, non-coding RNA molecule (~22 nucleotides) that regulates gene expression by binding to complementary sequences in the 3' untranslated regions of target messenger RNAs, resulting in their repression or degradation[1][2][7]. It is encoded by the MIR26B gene and is widely expressed across tissues, with prominent roles in the central nervous system, liver, and vascular endothelium[1][4][5]. miR-26b acts as a tumor suppressor in various cancers, negatively regulating cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis by targeting genes such as EZH2, EphA2, PFKFB3, and IL-6[1][2][5][7]. In vascular and neurological contexts, miR-26b reduces inflammatory activation and protects against hypoxic injury[5]. In the liver, miR-26b targets fibrogenic and inflammatory pathways—including PDGFR-β and NF-κB signaling—to counteract metabolic and inflammatory liver diseases such as steatohepatitis[3]. miR-26b levels have been proposed as a biomarker for disease progression in cancer, cognitive impairment, and metabolic disease, and experimental therapies using miR-26b mimics delivered via lipid nanoparticles are under investigation for their ability to restore normal function in disease models[3]. Due to its broad spectrum of molecular targets and physiological roles, miR-26b modulation presents both therapeutic opportunities and notable safety considerations, particularly concerning off-target effects and systemic immune responses[3][4].

Other names

MIR26Bhsa-miR-26bMIRN26Bhsa-mir-26bmiR-26b

Post-transcriptional repression of target mRNAs including EZH2 (epigenetic modulator)[1], EphA2 (receptor tyrosine kinase)[2][7], PDGFR-β[3], PTEN, PMAIP1, CREBBP[4], IL-6 (pro-inflammatory cytokine)[5], PFKFB3 (glycolytic enzyme)[7]