microRNA-323a-3p (miR-323a-3p)

MicroRNA-323a-3p (miR-323a-3p) is a small non-coding RNA molecule that serves as a critical post-transcriptional regulator of gene expression. It is encoded within a large microRNA cluster on chromosome 14q32, a region frequently associated with various malignancies and developmental processes [1, 5]. In most oncological contexts, miR-323a-3p acts as a tumor suppressor by targeting and downregulating key oncogenic factors such as STAT3, EGFR, ErbB3, and NEK6, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis [1, 3, 7]. Its downregulation is often correlated with advanced disease stages and poor prognosis in cancers like neuroblastoma and colorectal cancer [1, 2]. Conversely, miR-323a-3p has been identified as a biomarker in inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, where its elevated expression in synovial fibroblasts contributes to the inflammatory response [5]. Therapeutic strategies currently under investigation include the use of synthetic miRNA mimics to restore its suppressive function in tumors or antagomirs to modulate its activity in inflammatory conditions [1, 6].

Other names

hsa-miR-323a-3pmiR-323amiR-323-3pmicroRNA 323aMIR323A

Post-transcriptional gene silencing via RNA interference (RNAi), involving mRNA degradation or translational repression by binding to the 3' untranslated region (UTR) of target mRNAs such as STAT3, EGFR, and NEK6.