MicroRNA-27a (and MicroRNA-27b) (miR-27a (and miR-27b))

MicroRNA-27a and microRNA-27b are highly conserved, single-stranded, non-coding RNAs that function as post-transcriptional regulators by binding to complementary sequences in the 3′-UTR of target mRNAs, leading to repression of translation or mRNA degradation. These microRNAs are implicated in a range of biological processes including cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, differentiation, EMT, metabolism, and mitochondrial biogenesis[1][2][3][4][5][6]. They play prominent roles in the pathogenesis of cancer, fibrosis, and metabolic disorders, and are being explored as both biomarkers and putative therapeutic targets. Their dual roles, acting as either oncogenes or tumor suppressors depending on context and tissue, illustrate the complexity and regulatory significance of microRNAs in health and disease. Experimentally, they are targeted using synthetic mimics or inhibitors, but no approved drugs specifically target these molecules yet. Circulating levels of miR-27a, in particular, show promise as a non-invasive biomarker for disease diagnosis and monitoring[1][3].

Other names

miR-27amiRNA-27amicroRNA-27amiR-27bmiRNA-27bmicroRNA-27b

Targeted gene silencing via sequence-specific binding to 3′ untranslated regions (3′-UTR) of target mRNAs, resulting in translational repression and mRNA degradation. Regulation of signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, PPARγ/β-catenin, EMT pathways, and cholesterol synthesis (via HMGCR and SFRP1). Direct regulation of key genes including PHB, SFRP1, Foxj3, and others.