MicroRNA 31-responsive messenger RNAs (miR-31 targets)

MicroRNA 31-responsive messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are a diverse group of transcripts regulated by the small non-coding RNA, miR-31. miR-31 functions by binding to complementary sequences within the 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of these target mRNAs, resulting in gene silencing through either mRNA cleavage or the inhibition of protein translation (Guo et al., 2013, Nature Communications). This regulatory network plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, influencing pathways related to cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. In clinical contexts, miR-31 is often dysregulated; for instance, it is highly upregulated in colorectal cancer where it suppresses the tumor suppressor SATB2 (Wang et al., 2014, J Exp Clin Cancer Res). It is also significantly elevated in psoriasis, where it promotes keratinocyte proliferation and skin inflammation. Conversely, its downregulation in certain breast cancers is linked to increased metastatic potential through the loss of regulation over targets like RhoA. While no miR-31-specific drugs are currently FDA-approved, experimental approaches using antagomirs to block miR-31 or mimics to replace it are being explored. These strategies aim to modulate the expression of responsive mRNAs to restore normal cellular function in diseases like cancer and inflammatory disorders (Lin et al., 2017, Gastroenterology).

Other names

miR-31 target genesmiR-31 regulated transcriptshsa-miR-31 targetsmiR-31-responsive genes

Post-transcriptional gene silencing via the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC), leading to mRNA degradation or translational repression of target transcripts.